With the successful test launch of the indigenous Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air-to-air missile Astra, the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas has reached yet another milestone.
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Indigenous Marvel of Astra Missile
- The Astra missile is an indigenous air-to-air missile developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
- Both the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Indian Navy will use the missile.
Capability and Purpose
- In air combat settings, Astra is designed to engage and eliminate high-speed, nimble aerial targets.
- It has superior air combat capabilities and is capable of engaging numerous high-performance targets at the same time.
Integration of Aircraft
- The Su-30MKI fighter jet, Mirage 2000 multi-role combat fighters, Tejas light combat aircraft (LCA), MiG-29 and MiG-21 Bison fighter planes, and the Indian Navy’s Sea Harrier jet fighter are all integrated with Astra.
Features and Specifications
(A) Design:
- The missile is built for speed, precision, and dependability, with a high single-shot kill probability (SSKP).
- Astra is roughly 3.8 metres long with a diameter of 178mm.
- Its launch weight is approximately 160 kilogrammes.
(B) Advanced Variants:
- The DRDO is working on an improved model known as Astra Mk-II.
- The Astra Mk-II is predicted to have a range of 160 km.
(C) Guidance and Warhead:
- For precise target tracking, the missile employs dual-mode guidance.
- It has a high-explosive pre-fragmented warhead for effective engagement with threats.
(D) Propulsion and Performance:
- The Astra missile is propelled by a single-stage, smokeless solid fuel propulsion system.
- It can reach launch speeds ranging from Mach 0.4 to Mach 2.
(E) Launch Range and Agility:
- The missile has a range of about 80 km.
- It can engage moving targets while performing manoeuvres with up to 40 g turns around sea level.
Collaboration for Growth
- Astra Mk-III, a missile derivative, is being developed in partnership with Russia.
- The sophisticated solid fuel ducted ramjet (SFDR) engine technology is used in this model.
Source: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1951428#:~:text=Tejas%2C%20Light%20Combat%20Aircraft%20(LCA,altitude%20of%20about%2020%2C000%20ft.