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QRSAM

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QRSAM
QRSAM during its second flight test
TypeSurface-to-air missile
Place of originIndia
Service history
In service2024 (2024)–present
Used byIndian Army
Production history
DesignerDefence Research and Development Organisation
ManufacturerBharat 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)
WarheadHMX/TNT, pre-fragmented
Warhead weight32 kg (71 lb)[2]
Detonation
mechanism
Optical proximity fuze
PropellantSolid 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]

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

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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 crore or US$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

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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 and the Active Array Battery Multifunction Radar are four walled, configured to provide 360 degree coverage.[19][5] It has X-Band Quad Transmit Receive Modules (QTRMs).[21] 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

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QRSAM test with live warhead on 17 November 2020.

Developmental trials

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  • The first test firing of the missile took place on 4 June 2017. This was followed by the second successful test on 3 July 2017.[22] The test was conducted from Chandipur, Odisha. Around 100 scientists are working as part of the missile development program led by Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL). DRDO's other labs including Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Research & Development Establishment (Engineers) (R&DE(E)) and Integrated Test Range (ITR) are also contributing to the missile development effort.[23]
  • On 22 December, the missile was test fired for the third time. The test was reported to be a success.[24][25]
  • The fourth test took place on 8 October 2018 and was reported to be successful.[26]
  • Fifth test was successfully performed on 26 February 2019.[27]
  • The sixth test was conducted on 4 August 2019 at 11:05 am from a mobile truck-based launcher at the launch complex-3 of the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur.[28]
  • The seventh-test took place on 23 December 2019 from Abdul Kalam Island, which included two firings of the missile. With this test, the development of the missile was declared complete.[8]

User trials

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  • On 13 November 2020, DRDO successfully conducted test fire of the system and achieved a major milestone by a direct hit on to a Banshee pilot-less target aircraft at medium range and medium altitude.[29]
  • On 17 November 2020, DRDO successfully test-fired QRSAM with live warhead for the first time to check performance parameter of various subsystem. The integrated radar did tracking and target acquisition while mission computer managed automatic launch sequence. Upon missile launch, two way datalink was successfully established and helped activate radar homing guidance at terminal phase. Warhead activation and detonation was achieved when the target was close enough for destruction. The missile managed to hit and bring down an unmanned target vehicle at medium range and altitude.[30]
  • Six flight tests were completed on 8 September 2022 off the Odisha coast, where QRSAM managed to intercept high speed maneuvering aerial targets with pin point accuracy under long-range medium altitude and short-range high altitude conditions in quick succession salvo firing. The tests were carried out in final deployment configuration with all indigenously developed subsystems including missile with radio-frequency seeker, mobile launcher, automated command and control system, surveillance and multi-function radars.[31][32]

Concern

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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.[33][34]

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

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Limited production

[edit]

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][35]

Operators

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 India

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c "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. ^ a b c d e f 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. ^ a b "QRSAM". www.drdo.gov.in. Retrieved 7 December 2020.
  7. ^ a b Menon, Jay (3 May 2016). "India to develop Quick-Reaction SAM". Aerospace Daily & Defense Report. Aviation Week. p. 4. ISSN 1553-8591.
  8. ^ a b "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. ^ a b 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. ^ a b c "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. ^ a b 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. ^ "Annual Report 2015 - 2016" (PDF). Ministry of Defence, Government of India. Retrieved 21 September 2024.
  22. ^ "Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile successfully test fired". The Indian Express. Press Trust of India. 3 July 2017. Retrieved 23 December 2017.
  23. ^ "DRDO's quick reaction missile hits target in 30 seconds". Mathrubhumi. 3 July 2017. Retrieved 23 December 2017.
  24. ^ Rout, Hemant Kumar (23 December 2017). "DRDO's homegrown quick reaction missile QRSAM successfully test fired off Odisha coast". The New Indian Express.
  25. ^ Pubby, Manu (24 December 2017). "Setback for Indian missile programme: Two failures in a week, submarine version stuck". The Print.
  26. ^ "DRDO testfires quick reaction missile off Odisha coast". The New Indian Express. 10 October 2018.
  27. ^ "Twin Success for Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile". Press Information Bureau. 26 February 2019. Retrieved 26 February 2019.
  28. ^ "India test-fires Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile". The Economic Times. 4 August 2019. Retrieved 5 August 2019.
  29. ^ "DRDO successfully test-fires Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile system". Business Standard India. 14 November 2020. Retrieved 22 December 2021.
  30. ^ "Second trial of QRSAM proves DRDO warhead's capabilities". The Indian Express. 18 November 2020. Retrieved 22 May 2022.
  31. ^ Shukla, Ajai (8 September 2022). "QRSAM: Indian Army clears quick reaction surface-to-air missile system". Business Standard. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
  32. ^ "DRDO, Indian Army test-fires Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile system today". mint. 8 September 2022. Retrieved 8 September 2022.
  33. ^ "Annual Report 2022-23" (PDF). Ministry of Defence. Government of India. Retrieved 30 March 2024.
  34. ^ Pubby, Manu (22 September 2022). "Quick reaction missile induction to be delayed; deficiencies found during trials". The Economic Times.
  35. ^ "Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile (QRSAM)". BEL. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
[edit]
  • Media related to QRSAM at Wikimedia Commons

Technical:

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