Vertically-Launched Short-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (VLSRSAM)

Vertically-Launched Short-Range Surface-to-Air Missile Latest News

India successfully flight tested the vertically launched short range surface to air missile (VL-SRSAM) from a defence test facility off the Odisha coast recently.

About Vertically-Launched Short-Range Surface-to-Air Missile 

• It is an indigenously developed Short-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (SRSAM).
• It is developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
• It is a quick reaction missile capable of neutralising various aerial threats at close ranges, including sea-skimming targets. 
• Initially designed for the Indian Navy for a strike range of 40 km, it can now attack targets up to 80 km. 
• The missile is now being developed for use by the Indian Air Force to protect its air bases.

Vertically-Launched Short-Range Surface-to-Air Missile Features

• Having a diameter of 178 mm and a wingspan of 508 mm, the missile is 3.93 metres long. 
• It weighs around 170 kg and uses solid propellant. 
• With a maximum speed of Mach 4.5, the weapon system can reach an altitude of 16 km.
• During the mid-course flight, the missile uses a fibre-optic gyroscope-based inertial guidance mechanism, while the terminal phase uses active radar homing.
• It comes as an integrated missile and weapon control system (WCS) with a capability to hold multiple missiles in a twin quad-pack canister configuration.

Vertically-Launched Short-Range Surface-to-Air Missile FAQs

Q1. Who developed the Vertically-Launched Short-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (VL-SRSAM)?

Ans. Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)

Q2. What is the maximum strike range of the VL-SRSAM?

Ans. 80 km

Q3. What type of propellant does the VL-SRSAM use?

Ans. Solid propellant

Source: NIE