SMART (missile)

Last updated
SMART
Supersonic Missile-Assisted Release of Torpedo (SMART) launch.jpg
SMART launched from Integrated Test Range
Type Anti-submarine missile
Place of origin India
Service history
Used by Indian Navy
Production history
Designer Defence Research and Development Organisation
Designed2018–19
Specifications
Warhead High explosive in Advanced Light Torpedo Shyena
Warhead weight50 kg [1]

EngineMissile: Two-stage solid rocket
Torpedo: Electric
Propellant Solid fuel + silver zinc battery
Operational
range
643 km (400 mi) + 20 km (12 mi)
Guidance
system
Mid-course: Inertial navigation system with mid-course update via datalink
Terminal: Acoustic homing (active/passive)
Launch
platform

SMART (supersonic missile assisted release of torpedo) is a canister-based, long-range supersonic anti-submarine missile developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for the Indian Navy. [2]

Contents

Description

SMART is a canisterised hybrid system, made up of a long-range missile carrier that can travel at supersonic speed and a lightweight torpedo as payload, for anti-submarine warfare (ASW) role. The objective behind the project was to develop a quick-reaction system that can launch torpedoes from standoff distance. [3] The missile has a range of 643 km (400 mi) carrying a light weight torpedo of range 20 km (12.5 mi) with 50 kg high explosive warhead. [4] SMART uses two-way data link connected to airborne or ship based submarine detection and identification systems. [3] SMART can be launched from a surface ship or a truck-based coastal battery. [5] [6]

The missile delivery system was developed jointly by Defence Research Development Laboratory (DRDL) and Research Centre Imarat (RCI). Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL) developed the autonomous lightweight torpedo and associated technologies such as detonation mechanism, underwater guidance and underwater thruster. Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE) developed the velocity reduction mechanism that act before releasing an autonomous lightweight torpedo towards the designated target. SMART is part of fusion project to combine technologies of institutions dealing with land and naval based armaments. [7] [8] High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL) developed the insensitive explosive formulations for naval warhead. [9]

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) in 2018–19 annual report mentioned that DRDO started the development and demonstration of missile assisted release of light weight torpedo for ASW role. The ejection trial was done using Advanced Light Torpedo Shyena. [10] [11]

The missile is powered by a dual stage solid-propellant rocket and utilizes electro-mechanical actuators for course correction. For in-flight guidance, SMART uses a inertial navigation system (INS), and allows real-time course correction and target updating via datalink. The missile utilizes sea skimming in order to reduce detection range. [6] [12] SMART is similar in concept to the now cancelled UUM-125 Sea Lance from Boeing. [10] The system is under-development due to increasing deployment of submarines by People's Liberation Army Navy Submarine Force (PLANSF) in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), rapid modernization of naval assets by People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) and the building of Chinese overseas military bases in Africa. [13] [14] [15]

Trials

First trial

SMART missile launch from Integrated Test Range. DRDO supersonic missile assisted torpedo system tested at the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur on 5 October 2020 - 2.jpg
SMART missile launch from Integrated Test Range.

On 5 October 2020, The first successful test of SMART was done from Abdul Kalam Island. This was part of demonstration test to check missile flight for maximum range and altitude, separation of the nose cone, release of torpedo and deployment of velocity reduction mechanism. [6]

Second trial

On 13 December 2021, the second test of SMART was conducted successfully from Integrated Test Range (ITR), Odisha. [16] The entire trajectory was monitored by the electro-optic telemetry system, various range radars including the downrange instrumentation and downrange ships. The missile carried a torpedo, parachute delivery system and release mechanisms. [17]

Third trial

SMART launch video

On 1 May 2024, DRDO successfully conducted the third SMART missile trial from Integrated Test Range, Balasore, Odisha. The entire range capability was demonstrated during the test, which was carried out using a ground-based canister launcher system. [18] The test confirmed velocity control, ejection, and symmetric separation. Precision inertial navigation, an electromechanical actuator system, and a two-stage solid propulsion system were all part of the missile architecture. The system's payload consisted of a sophisticated lightweight torpedo and a parachute-based release mechanism. [19] [20]

Operator

Flag of India.svg  India

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cruise missile</span> Guided missile with precision targeting capabilities and multiple launch platforms

A cruise missile is an unmanned self-propelled guided vehicle that sustains flight through aerodynamic lift for most of its flight path and whose primary mission is to place an ordnance or special payload on a target. Cruise missiles are designed to deliver a large warhead over long distances with high precision. Modern cruise missiles are capable of traveling at high subsonic, supersonic, or hypersonic speeds, are self-navigating, and are able to fly on a non-ballistic, extremely low-altitude trajectory.

<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.

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">BrahMos</span> Indo-Russian supersonic cruise missile

The BrahMos is a medium-range ramjet supersonic cruise missile that can be launched from submarines, ships, fighter aircraft or TEL. It is a joint venture between the Indian Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Russian Federation's NPO Mashinostroyeniya, who together have formed BrahMos Aerospace. The missile is based on P-800 Oniks. The name BrahMos is a portmanteau formed from the names of two rivers, the Brahmaputra of India and the Moskva of Russia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nirbhay</span> Indian subsonic cruise missile in limited service and further development

Nirbhay is a long range, all-weather, subsonic cruise missile designed and developed in India by the Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) which is under Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The missile can be launched from multiple platforms and is capable of carrying conventional and nuclear warheads. It is currently deployed in limited numbers in Line of Actual Control (LAC) during standoff with China.

<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 was established to be a manufacturing base for guided weapon systems and begun with a pool of engineers drawn from Indian Ordnance Factories, DRDO and aerospace industries, 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">Torpedo Advanced Light Shyena</span> Lightweight ASW torpedo

The Torpedo Advanced Light (TAL) Shyena is the first indigenous advanced lightweight anti-submarine torpedo of India, developed by the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL) of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for the Indian Navy. The lightweight torpedo can be launched by ships, helicopters and previously the now retired Ilyushin Il-38, named after the divine hawk identified with Agni.

<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 Indo-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).

<i>Visakhapatnam</i>-class destroyer Class of stealth guided missile destroyers

The Visakhapatnam-class destroyers, also classified as the P-15 Bravo class, or simply P-15B, is a class of guided-missile destroyers currently being built for the Indian Navy. The Visakhapatnam class is an upgraded derivative of its predecessor, the Kolkata class, with improved features of stealth, automation and ordnance.

<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.

The DRDO Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon (SAAW) is a long-range precision-guided anti-airfield weapon developed by India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). It is designed to be capable of engaging ground targets with high precision up to a range of 100 kilometres (62 mi).

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

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, meant for protecting moving armoured columns from aerial attacks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">MPATGM</span> Indian anti-tank missile

The MPATGM or man portable anti-tank guided missile, is an Indian third generation fire-and-forget anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) derived from India's Nag ATGM. It is being developed by the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO)

<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.

References

  1. Kumar, Abhijeet (1 May 2024). "DRDO successfully tests long-range 'SMART' anti-submarine missile system". Business Standard. Retrieved 1 May 2024.
  2. "India successfully tests long-range Supersonic Missile Assisted Torpedo off Balasore coasts". Hindustan Times. 2021-12-13. Retrieved 2021-12-17.
  3. 1 2 Dutta, Amrita Nayak (2020-10-07). "The SMART torpedo system and why DRDO is calling it 'game changer' in anti-submarine warfare". ThePrint. Retrieved 2021-12-17.
  4. Lendon, Brad (7 October 2020). "India tests long-range anti-submarine missile". CNN. Retrieved 2021-12-17.
  5. "India successfully tests Supersonic Missile assisted release of Torpedo". WION. Zee Media Corporation. 5 October 2020. Retrieved 2021-12-17.
  6. 1 2 3 "India test-fires SMART torpedo to target submarines". Rediff. 5 October 2020. Retrieved 2021-12-17.
  7. Rout, Hemant Kumar (5 October 2020). "In major breakthrough, India successfully tests supersonic missile-assisted release of torpedo". The New Indian Express. PTI. Retrieved 2020-10-05.
  8. "DRDO's SMART missile could be trump card against China's submarines". The Week. PTI. 5 October 2020. Retrieved 2020-10-05.
  9. "Insensitive explosive compositions for Naval warheads". Defence Research and Development Organization. 16 December 2021. Retrieved 2021-12-17.
  10. 1 2 "Explainer: DRDO's SMART missile could be trump card against China's submarines". The Week. 5 October 2020. Retrieved 2021-12-17.
  11. "Annual Report 2018-19" (PDF). Ministry of Defence, Government of India. Retrieved 2021-12-17.
  12. Manjeet Negi (2021-12-13). "DRDO successfully tests long-range 'Supersonic Missile Assisted Release of Torpedo' - Science News". India Today. Retrieved 2021-12-15.
  13. Unnithan, Sandeep (15 October 2018). "China positions submarine and rescue vehicle in Indian Ocean". India Today. Retrieved 2021-12-17.
  14. "China Naval Modernization: Implications for U.S. Navy Capabilities—Background and Issues for Congress" (PDF). Congressional Research Service. Retrieved 2021-12-17.
  15. George, Steve; Lendon, Brad (14 March 2018). "'Weaponizing capital': US worries over China's expanding role in Africa". CNN. Retrieved 2021-12-17.
  16. "India successfully test-fires supersonic missile assisted torpedo in Odisha". Mint. 2021-12-13. Retrieved 2021-12-13.
  17. Kulkarni, Sushant (2021-12-13). "Successful flight test of supersonic missile-assisted torpedo release system conducted". The Indian Express. Retrieved 2021-12-17.
  18. Negi, Manjeet (2024-05-01). "Long-range anti-submarine missile system successfully tested". India Today. Retrieved 2024-05-01.
  19. "Supersonic Missile-Assisted Release of Torpedo system successfully flight-tested by DRDO off the Odisha coast". pib.gov.in. Retrieved 2024-05-01.
  20. Roushan, Anurag (2024-05-01). "India successfully carries out trials of 'SMART' anti-submarine missile system: All you need to know". India TV. Retrieved 2024-05-01.