QRSAM

Last updated

QRSAM
Second test of DRDO QRSAM (cropped).jpg
QRSAM during its second flight test
Type Surface-to-air missile
Place of origin India
Service history
In service2024 (2024)–present
Used by Indian Army
Production history
Designer Defence Research and Development Organisation
Manufacturer Bharat Electronics
Bharat Dynamics Limited
Produced2023 (2023)–present (Limited production) [1]
Specifications
Mass270 kg (600 lb)
Length4.4 m (14 ft) [1]
Diameter0.22 m (0.72 ft)
Warhead HMX/TNT, pre-fragmented
Warhead weight32 kg (71 lb) [2]
Detonation
mechanism
 Optical proximity fuze
Propellant Solid fuel
Operational
range
Missile: 3 km (9,800 ft) - 30 km (19 mi) [3]
Launcher: ~800 km
Flight altitude30 m (98 ft) - 6 km (20,000 ft) [4]
Maximum speed Mach 4.7
Guidance
system
Mid-course: Inertial navigation system with two way datalink
Terminal: Active radar homing
Accuracy90% - 95%
Launch
platform
6 tube launcher mounted on 8 x 8 Ashok Leyland or Tata Motors heavy mobility vehicles [5]
References [6] [7] [8] [9] [10]

Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM) is a missile developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Bharat Electronics and Bharat Dynamics Limited for the Indian Army, [11] meant for protecting moving armoured columns from aerial attacks. [6]

Contents

QRSAM has a fully automated Command and Control System. The missile system possesses two four-walled radars both of which encompass a 360-degree coverage, namely, the Active Array Battery Surveillance Radar and the Active Array Battery Multi-function Radar, apart from the launcher while optical proximity fuze ensures that missile can't be jammed.

History

As a part of a replacement program for its obsolete 9K33M2 "Osa-AK" and 2K12E Kvadrat missile systems, Indian Army received a go-ahead to initiate a global acquisition program for quick-reaction surface-to-air missiles from the Ministry of Defence in September 2007. [7] The acquisition program faced multiple issues, including poor response from vendors and re-tendering to avoid single source acquisition. [12] In the meanwhile, a DRDO project to develop quick-reaction surface-to-air missiles was sanctioned in July 2014 with a budget of ₹476.43 crore (equivalent to ₹761 croreorUS$91 million in 2023). [13] The missile was developed in association with Bharat Electronics Limited and Bharat Dynamics Limited with both firms participating in development and manufacturing. [14] [15] In 2017, Indian Army's global acquisition program was dropped in favour of the locally developed QRSAM.[ citation needed ]

The operational version meanwhile is awaiting production in mid-2021 after use trials. [5]

Description

It's a compact and highly mobile air defence system mounted on Ashok Leyland Defence Systems 8x8 truck, designed to provide 360 degree defence coverage. The transporter erector launcher (TEL) of the system is developed by Larsen & Toubro, while missiles are manufactured by Bharat Dynamics Limited. Each launcher has 6 missiles and can target 6 different targets. [5] The QRSAM has electronic counter-countermeasure capabilities to remain immune to jamming. [11] The single-staged missile utilized by the system is propelled using solid propellants. The missile is equipped with a mid-course inertial navigation system with a two-way data link and a DRDO-developed terminal active radar seeker. [16] It is an improved active Ku, X band monopulse radio-frequency (RF) seeker developed by Research Center Imarat. [17]

The missile has laser proximity fuze developed by Instruments Research and Development Establishment, to increase accuracy and reduces its susceptibility to jamming. [18] The system has the capability to search and track targets while moving. [19]

As part of the Army's Air Defence, the QRSAM is built to move with offensive formations while maintaining search and track capabilities and the capacity to fire at a short notice. [20]

Its command and control system, target acquisition and fire control are fully automated. [5] [19] The surveillance and fire control radars developed by Bharat Electronics Limited, namely, the Active Array Battery Surveillance Radar (BSR) and the Active Array Battery Multifunction Radar (BMFR) are four walled, configured to provide 360 degree coverage. [19] [5] Both the radars have Quad Transmit Receive Modules (QTRMs). The BSR operates in C-band with a range of 120 km (75 mi) while the BMFR operates in X-band with a range of 80 km (50 mi). [21] [22] The QRSAM has a maximum range of 30 km (19 mi) and can intercept targets flying at 10 km (6.2 mi) altitude. According to DRDO, currently the QRSAM has 90% indigenous component, which is projected to increase 99% incrementally. [5]

Testing

QRSAM test with live warhead on 17 November 2020.

Developmental trials

User trials

Concern

On 22 September 2022, it was reported by The Economic Times, that deficiencies were observed regarding the mobility, surveillance, detection and firing capability of the system. According to unnamed sources, the system failed to detect and engage hovering helicopters at low altitude and minimum range. There was no official confirmation from Indian Army but according to Ministry of Defence and DRDO, all the tests conducted in September 2022 were successful. Laser Based End Game Fuze, which assists in detecting airborne targets and provides range and sector information along with the firing pulse during target engagement, was employed in the successful test launch. [35] [36]

The Army has suggested certain improvements for the QRSAM test, which is scheduled for April 2023. Prior to that, DRDO will address few glitches and enhance mission reliability even more. [20]

Order status

Limited production

Janes Information Services was informed by Bharat Electronics at Aero India 2023 that the Indian Army had given an order for five Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM) Weapon System. By 2024, the Indian Army will receive all five QRSAM Weapon System from Bharat Electronics. One QRSAM Weapon System consists of one Regiment Command Post Vehicle (RCPV). Three battery units are connected to a single RCPV. A Battery Surveillance Radar Vehicle (BSRV) and a Battery Command Post Vehicle (BCPV) make up a battery unit. Additionally, four combat groups (CGs) are attached to a single battery unit. A CG is made up of a multi-purpose radar unit with ten target engagement capabilities and a multi-launch rocket vehicle armed with six QRSAM missiles. One logistic truck and seventy-two missiles make up a single QRSAM Weapon System. [1] [37]

Operators

Flag of India.svg India

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Agni-III</span> Indian intermediate-range ballistic missile

The Agni-III is an Indian intermediate-range ballistic missile inducted into service in 2011 as the successor of the Agni-II. It has a range of 3,500 to 5,000 kilometres and can reach targets deep inside neighbouring countries including Pakistan & China.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Prithvi (missile)</span> Indian series of short-range missiles

Prithvi is a tactical surface-to-surface short-range ballistic missile (SRBM) developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) of India under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP). It is deployed by India's Strategic Forces Command.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme</span> Indian Ministry of Defence programme

The Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP) was an Indian Ministry of Defence programme for the research and development of the comprehensive range of missiles. The programme was managed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Ordnance Factories Board in partnership with other Indian government political organisations. The project started in 1982–83 under the leadership of Abdul Kalam who oversaw its ending in 2008 after these strategic missiles were successfully developed.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Akash (missile)</span> Indian surface-to-air missile series

Akash is a medium-range mobile surface-to-air missile (SAM) system developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The Army and the Air Force variant of the missile system is produced by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL). Surveillance and Fire Control Radar, Tactical Command and Control Center and missile launcher are developed by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Tata Advanced Systems Limited and Larsen & Toubro. The Akash missile system can target aircraft up to 45 km (28 mi) away. It has the capability to neutralise aerial targets like fighter jets, cruise missiles and air-to-surface missiles. It is in operational service with the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force.

Trishul is a low-level quick-reaction short range surface-to-air missile developed in India by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) as part of the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP). It can also be used as an anti-sea skimmer from naval ship against low flying missile, attack helicopter and aircraft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher</span> Indian long-range multiple launch rocket system

Pinaka is a multiple rocket launcher produced in India and developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for the Indian Army. It is also called India's Grad missile system as it's characteristics are derived from BM-21 Grad. The system has a maximum range of 45 km (28 mi) for Mark-I Enhanced and 90 km (56 mi) for Mark-II ER version, and can fire a salvo of 12 HE rockets per launcher in 44 seconds. The system is mounted on a Tatra truck for mobility. Pinaka saw service during the Kargil War, where it was successful in neutralising Pakistani positions on the mountain tops. It has since been inducted into the Indian Army in large numbers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bharat Dynamics Limited</span> Indian Defense Company

Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) is one of India's manufacturers of ammunitions and missile systems. It was founded in 1970 in Hyderabad, India. BDL has been working in collaboration with DRDO & foreign Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) for manufacture and supply of various missiles and allied equipment to Indian Armed Forces, it began by producing a first generation anti-tank guided missile - the French SS11B1. While fulfilling its basic role as a weapons system manufacturer, BDL has built up in-house R&D capabilities primarily focusing on design and engineering activities. BDL has three manufacturing units, located at Kanchanbagh, Hyderabad; Bhanur, Medak district, and Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Indian Ballistic Missile Defence Programme</span> Indian military defence system, established 2000

The Indian Ballistic Missile Defence Programme is an initiative to develop and deploy a multi-layered ballistic missile defence system to protect India from ballistic missile attacks. It was launched in 2000 after the Kargil War by the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government. Testing was carried out and continuing as of 2006, and the system was expected to be operational within four years according to the head of the country's missiles development programme, Vijay Kumar Saraswat.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nag (missile)</span> Indian air-to-surface missile

The Nag missile, also called "Prospina" for the land-attack version, is an Indian third-generation, all-weather, fire-and-forget, lock-on after launch, anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) with an operational range of 500 m to 20 km depending on variant. It has a single-shot hit probability of 90% and a ten-year, maintenance-free shelf life. The Nag has five variants under development: a land version, for a mast-mounted system; the helicopter-launched Nag (HELINA) also known as Dhruvastra; a "man-portable" version (MPATGM); an air-launched version which will replace the current imaging infra-red (IIR) to millimetric-wave (mmW) active radar homing seeker; and the Nag Missile Carrier (NAMICA) "tank buster", which is a modified BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) produced under license in India by Ordnance Factory Medak (OFMK).

The Instruments Research & Development Establishment (IRDE) is a laboratory of the Defence Research & Development Organization (DRDO). Located in Dehradun, its primary function is research and development in the field of optical and electro-optical instrumentation. Their objective is to develop products like night vision devices, electro-optical surveillance and fire control systems.

Electronics and Radar Development Establishment (LRDE) is a laboratory of the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO), India. Located in C.V. Raman Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka, its primary function is research and development of radars and related technologies. It was founded by S. P. Chakravarti, the father of electronics and telecommunication engineering in India, who also founded the Defence Electronics Research Laboratory and Defence Research and Development Laboratory.

The Maitri missile was a proposed next-generation quick-reaction surface-to-air missile (QRSAM) with a claimed ~100% kill probability, planned for development by India's Defence Research and Development Organisation. It would have been part of a short-range (25–30 km) surface-to-air defense system. The proposal was shelved and superseded by other QRSAM and VL-SRSAM missiles for the Indian Army and Indian Navy respectively.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Barak 8</span> Medium to long-range surface-to-air missile

Barak 8, also known as LR-SAM or MR-SAM, is an Indian-Israeli jointly developed surface-to-air missile (SAM) system, designed to defend against any type of airborne threat including aircraft, helicopters, anti-ship missiles, and UAVs as well as ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and combat jets. Both maritime and land-based variants of the system exist.

India has studied, produced and used various strategic and tactical missile systems since its independence. Decades long projects have realised development of all types of missile systems including ballistic, cruise, anti-ship, air-defence, air-to-air and anti-missile systems. India is one of seven countries in the world with intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) and one of four countries with anti-ballistic missile systems. Since 2016, India has been a member of Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rudram (missile)</span> Indian anti-radiation, air to surface missile system

The Rudram is a series of supersonic and hypersonic air-to-surface ground attack and anti-radiation missiles in development by the Defence Research and Development Organisation of India. It can be launched from a range of altitudes with large standoff distance for destroying enemy surveillance radars, communication stations and bunkers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Akash-NG</span> Indian surface to air missile series

Akash - New generation abbreviated as Akash-NG is a mid-ranged mobile surface-to-air missile defense system developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and produced by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) and Bharat Electronics (BEL).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">VL-SRSAM</span> Indian surface to air missile series

The Vertical Launch – Short Range Surface to Air Missile, or VL-SRSAM is a quick reaction surface-to-air missile developed by the Indian Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

This article consists of projects of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">VSHORAD (India)</span> Indian anti-aircraft missile

The Very Short Range Air Defence System, or VSHORADS, is a fourth generation, man-portable air-defense system (MANPADS) developed by Research Centre Imarat (RCI), a research lab under Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), located in Hyderabad. Multiple DRDO laboratories along with Indian industry partners are participating in the project. It is designed for anti-aircraft warfare and neutralising low altitude aerial threats at short ranges.

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Aero India 2023: Indian Army orders QRSAM weapon systems". Janes.com. 15 February 2023. Retrieved 18 February 2023.
  2. ↑ "DRDO Technology Focus : Warhead for Missiles, Torpedoes and Rockets" (PDF). Defence Research and Development Organisation. Ministry of Defence. Retrieved 22 December 2021.
  3. ↑ Peri, Dinakar (6 December 2020). "Indigenous quick reaction air defence system to be ready for production next year". The Hindu. ISSN   0971-751X . Retrieved 30 June 2022.
  4. ↑ Peri, Dinakar (6 December 2020). "Indigenous quick reaction air defence system to be ready for production next year". The Hindu. ISSN   0971-751X . Retrieved 30 June 2022.
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Peri, Dinakar (6 December 2020). "Indigenous quick reaction air defence system to be ready for production next year". The Hindu. New Delhi. Retrieved 7 December 2020.
  6. 1 2 "QRSAM". www.drdo.gov.in. Retrieved 7 December 2020.
  7. 1 2 Menon, Jay (3 May 2016). "India to develop Quick-Reaction SAM". Aerospace Daily & Defense Report. Aviation Week. p. 4. ISSN   1553-8591.
  8. 1 2 "Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile completes development trials". The Hindu. 23 December 2019. ISSN   0971-751X . Retrieved 23 December 2019.
  9. ↑ "QRSAM again successfully test-fired". The Pioneer . 24 December 2019. Retrieved 25 December 2019.
  10. ↑ "India Wraps Development Trials For QRSAM Missile That Can Shoot Plane 25 Km Away" . Retrieved 15 November 2020.
  11. 1 2 Bedi, Rahul (6 June 2017). "Indian DRDO-designed QRSAM successfully tested". IHS Jane's Defence Weekly. Jane's Information Group. Archived from the original on 6 June 2017.
  12. ↑ Raghuvanshi, Vivek (8 August 2017). "Indian Army Seeks New Source of Surface-to-Air Missile Defense System". Defense News.
  13. ↑ "DRDO Projects" (Press release). Press Information Bureau. 3 February 2017.
  14. ↑ Ghaswalla, Amrita Nair (31 March 2017). "BEL's research spend up 10% of revenue". The Hindu Business Line. The Hindu Group.
  15. ↑ Rao, Sushil (30 April 2016). "Quick Reaction Missile to be developed by BDL and DRDO". The Times of India. The Times Group.
  16. ↑ "DRDO surface-to-air missile shoots down aerial target in latest test". Hindustan Times. 17 November 2020. Retrieved 30 June 2022.
  17. ↑ Thakur, Vijainder K. (3 April 2023). "India's World-Beating Akash And Very Short-Range Air Defense Missiles Are Owner's Pride, Other's Envy". EURASIAN TIMES. Retrieved 6 October 2024.
  18. ↑ Peri, Dinakar (6 December 2020). "Indigenous quick reaction air defence system to be ready for production next year". The Hindu. Retrieved 9 December 2020.
  19. 1 2 3 "Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile successfully flight-tested off Odisha coast". Ministry of Defence . 23 December 2019. Retrieved 23 December 2019– via Press Information Bureau.
  20. 1 2 Peri, Dinakar (8 February 2023). "Surface-to-air missile | DRDO working to fix a few glitches". The Hindu. ISSN   0971-751X . Retrieved 20 September 2024.
  21. ↑ @KesariDhwaj (23 December 2020). "the surveillance and fire-control-radar for Akash missile (pic-01)" (Tweet). Retrieved 23 December 2024– via Twitter.
  22. ↑ "Annual Report 2015 - 2016" (PDF). Ministry of Defence, Government of India. Retrieved 21 September 2024.
  23. ↑ "Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile successfully test fired". The Indian Express. Press Trust of India. 3 July 2017. Retrieved 23 December 2017.
  24. ↑ "DRDO's quick reaction missile hits target in 30 seconds". Mathrubhumi. 3 July 2017. Retrieved 23 December 2017.
  25. ↑ Rout, Hemant Kumar (23 December 2017). "DRDO's homegrown quick reaction missile QRSAM successfully test fired off Odisha coast". The New Indian Express.
  26. ↑ Pubby, Manu (24 December 2017). "Setback for Indian missile programme: Two failures in a week, submarine version stuck". The Print.
  27. ↑ "DRDO testfires quick reaction missile off Odisha coast". The New Indian Express. 10 October 2018.
  28. ↑ "Twin Success for Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile". Press Information Bureau. 26 February 2019. Retrieved 26 February 2019.
  29. ↑ "India test-fires Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile". The Economic Times. 4 August 2019. Retrieved 5 August 2019.
  30. ↑ "Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile successfully flight-tested off Odisha coast". Press Information Bureau . 23 December 2019. Retrieved 23 December 2024.
  31. ↑ "DRDO successfully test-fires Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile system". Business Standard India. 14 November 2020. Retrieved 22 December 2021.
  32. ↑ "Second trial of QRSAM proves DRDO warhead's capabilities". The Indian Express. 18 November 2020. Retrieved 22 May 2022.
  33. ↑ Shukla, Ajai (8 September 2022). "QRSAM: Indian Army clears quick reaction surface-to-air missile system". Business Standard. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
  34. ↑ "DRDO, Indian Army test-fires Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile system today". mint. 8 September 2022. Retrieved 8 September 2022.
  35. ↑ "Annual Report 2022-23" (PDF). Ministry of Defence. Government of India. Retrieved 30 March 2024.
  36. ↑ Pubby, Manu (22 September 2022). "Quick reaction missile induction to be delayed; deficiencies found during trials". The Economic Times.
  37. ↑ "Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile (QRSAM)". BEL. Retrieved 20 September 2024.

Technical:

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.