DRDO successfully launches VL-SRSAM

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  DRDO successfully launches VL-SRSAM

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• A new missile: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted two successful launches of vertical launch short range surface-to-air missile (VL-SRSAM) off the Odisha coast in Balasore. The launches were carried out from a static vertical launcher from Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur.
• Details: Indigenously designed and developed by DRDO for the Navy, the VL-SRSAM is meant for neutralising various aerial threats at close ranges, including sea-skimming targets. The launches were carried out for demonstration of vertical launch capability as part of its maiden launch campaign. The missiles intercepted the simulated targets with pinpoint accuracy. They were tested for minimum and maximum range. The VL-SRSAM with weapon control system (WCS) was deployed during the trials.
• Supervised: The launches were monitored by senior scientists from various DRDO labs involved in the design and development such as DRDL, RCI, Hyderabad and R&D Engineers, Pune. The flight path and vehicle performance parameters were monitored using flight data, captured by various range instruments such as Radar, EOTS and telemetry systems deployed by the ITR, Chandipur. Trials have proved the effectiveness of the weapon system and few more trials will be conducted shortly before deployment on the ships. Once deployed, the VL-SRSAM system will prove to be a force multiplier for the Navy.
• DM: The Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO on the successful trials. Dr. G Satheesh Reddy, Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman, DRDO congratulated the teams involved in the successful flight test of VL-SRSAM Missile System.
• Knowledge centre: 

1. ITR - The Integrated Test Range (ITR) is an Indian defence laboratory of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Located in Balasore, Odisha, it provide safe and reliable launch facilities for performance evaluation of rockets, missiles and air-borne weapon system. 
2. SAMs - A surface-to-air missile (SAM) is designed to be launched from the ground to destroy aircraft or other missiles. It is one type of anti-aircraft system. Missiles have replaced most other forms of dedicated anti-aircraft weapons today, with anti-aircraft guns pushed into specialized roles. The first known idea for a guided surface-to-air missile was in 1925, when a beam riding system was proposed whereby a rocket would follow a searchlight beam onto a target. Missiles able to fly longer distances are generally heavier, and therefore less mobile. There are 3 classes of SAM systems; heavy long-range systems that are fixed or semi-mobile, medium-range vehicle-mounted systems that can fire on the move, and short-range man-portable air-defense systems (MANPADS).
3. Missile Guidance - SAM systems fall into two broad groups - those using radar and those using some other means. Longer range missiles generally use radar for early detection and guidance. Smaller missiles like MANPADS use infrared homing guidance systems. They are "fire-and-forget", and once launched they will home on the target on their own with no external signals needed.

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