Vertical Launch - Short Range Surface to Air Missile (VL-SRSAM) | #IndianMissileSeries #03

The Vertical Launch - Short Range Surface to Air Missile, or VL-SRSAM is a quick reaction surface-to-air missile developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). During mid-course flight, the missile uses fibre-optic gyroscope based inertial guidance mechanism while in terminal phase uses active radar homing. With lock on before launch (LOBL) and lock on after launch (LOAL) capability, the missile receives mid-course update via datalink. VL-SRSAM intended to replace older Barak 1 surface to air missile system onboard Indian Navy. It will also be used as short range air defence system for Indian Air Force. VL-SRSAM is based on Astra Mark 1 air-to-air missile with four short-span long-chord cruciform wings. It includes additional jet vane driven thrust vector control to enable quick reaction time on vertical launch and smokeless exhaust. VL-SRSAM conceived for area and point-defence role to save naval platforms. Each Vertical Launch System (VLS) can hold forty missiles in a twin quad-pack canister configuration carrying eight missiles each for hot launch that can be installed in an arrangement of multiple launch systems based on availability of space on the ship. The missile is for neutralizing various aerial threats at medium and close ranges, including fighter aircraft and sea skimming anti-ship missiles. As an integrated solution of missile and control system (WCS) with 360° interception capability, it can detect and engage threats from different...