Navy missile that can change or select targets while in flight successfully tested-OxBig News Network

A first-of-its-kind Naval Anti-Ship missile (NASM-SR) that has the capability of changing or selecting its target in flight, was successfully tested by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Navy from a Seaking helicopter at the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur on Wednesday.

The trials have proven the missile’s ‘man-in-the-loop’ feature, that enables the missile’s pilot to send it commands while in flight, and scored a direct hit on a small ship in the sea-skimming mode at its maximum range. The missile uses an indigenous imaging infra-red seeker for terminal guidance.

The mission also has demonstrated the high bandwidth two-way data link system, which is used to transmit the seeker live images back to the pilot for in-flight re-targeting, a defence spokesperson said.

The missile was launched in ‘bearing-only lock-on after launch’ mode with several targets in close vicinity for selecting one among them. The missile initially locked on to a large target within the specified zone of search and during the terminal phase, the pilot selected a smaller hidden target resulting in its being hit with pinpoint accuracy.

The missile uses an indigenous fiber optic gyroscope-based inertial navigation system and radio altimeter for its mid-course guidance, an integrated avionics module, electro-mechanical actuators for aerodynamic and jet vane control, thermal batteries and printed circuit board warhead. It uses solid propulsion with an in-line ejectable booster and a long-burn sustainer. The trials have met all the mission objectives.

The missile is developed by different labs of DRDO, including the Research Centre Imarat, Defence Research and Development Laboratory, High Energy Materials Research Laboratory and Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory. The missiles are currently being produced by the development-cum-production partners with the help of MSME’s start-ups and other industrial partners.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Secretary, Department of Defence Research and Development and Chairman DRDO, Samir V Kamat, have congratulated DRDO, the Indian Navy and the associated industries for the successful flight tests.