Akash-NG Missile

Akash-NG Missile

News: Recently, The DRDO has successfully conducted a flight test of the New Generation AKASH (AKASH-NG) missile from the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur off the coast of Odisha.

About:
• The Akash-NG (New Generation) is a medium-range mobile surface-to-air missile defense system developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and produced by Bharat Dynamics Limited and Bharat Electronics.
• Operational Range: The operational range of the missile is between 70 km (43 mi) and 80 km (50 mi).
• Flight Altitude: The flight altitude of the missile is between 0.030–14 km (98–45,932 ft).
• Guidance System: The missile uses a mid-course inertial navigation system with a two-way datalink and terminal active radar homing.

Difference between Akash NG and Akash:
• Operational Range: The operational range of the Akash missile is 25 km to 30 km, while the Akash-NG has an extended range beyond 25 km and can reach up to 70 km to 80 km.
• Weight: The Akash missile weighs 720 kg2, whereas the Akash-NG is lighter, weighing around 350 kg.
• Engine: The Akash missile uses a solid booster with an air-augmented rocket and ramjet sustainer motor. On the other hand, the Akash-NG uses a two-pulse solid rocket motor.
• Deployment and Logistics: The Akash-NG has better deployability compared to the previous generation Akash SAM systems with a canisterised launcher and much smaller ground system footprint.