DRDO's milestone: Successful flight-test of SMART anti-submarine warfare system
| 2024-05-01
The SMART anti-submarine system being test-fired off the coast of Odisha in eastern India on May 1, 2024.
The SMART system is unique in its integration of advanced technological components
In a significant advancement for India's maritime defence, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted a flight test of the Supersonic Missile-Assisted Release of Torpedo (SMART) system. This event took place at approximately 0830 hrs on May 1, 2024, from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island, off the coast of Odisha.
The SMART system represents a breakthrough in anti-submarine warfare technology. Designed and developed by DRDO, this system enhances the Indian Navy's capabilities to counter submarine threats far beyond traditional ranges.
The missile system is unique in its integration of advanced technological components, including a two-stage solid propulsion system, precision inertial navigation systems, and an electromechanical actuator system. These components ensure the effective delivery of a lightweight torpedo over long distances.
SMART is a canister-based missile system equipped with a long-range missile that can carry a lightweight torpedo. It has a striking range of 643 kilometres, with the torpedo capable of targeting up to 20 kilometres with a 50 kg high explosive warhead. The system also incorporates a sophisticated parachute-based release mechanism to deploy the torpedo at the designated target accurately.
The missile’s design includes a dual-stage solid-propellant rocket, which is complemented by electro-mechanical actuators for precise course correction. To minimize detection, SMART utilizes sea-skimming flight trajectories. Connectivity is maintained through a two-way data link that integrates with airborne or ship-based systems for submarine detection and identification.
The flight test off the Odisha coast was not just a demonstration of raw power but also of intricate technological integration. The test validated several state-of-the-art mechanisms, including symmetric separation, ejection, and velocity control. These successful validations mark an essential milestone in the development of the SMART system.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed his commendation for the DRDO and its industry partners following the successful test. "The development of the system will further enhance the strength of our Navy," he stated, acknowledging the strategic importance of this indigenous achievement.
Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman of DRDO Samir V Kamat praised the synergistic efforts of the SMART team. He encouraged continued excellence, highlighting the critical role of the SMART system in strengthening India's maritime defense readiness.
The SMART system represents a breakthrough in anti-submarine warfare technology. Designed and developed by DRDO, this system enhances the Indian Navy's capabilities to counter submarine threats far beyond traditional ranges.
The missile system is unique in its integration of advanced technological components, including a two-stage solid propulsion system, precision inertial navigation systems, and an electromechanical actuator system. These components ensure the effective delivery of a lightweight torpedo over long distances.
SMART is a canister-based missile system equipped with a long-range missile that can carry a lightweight torpedo. It has a striking range of 643 kilometres, with the torpedo capable of targeting up to 20 kilometres with a 50 kg high explosive warhead. The system also incorporates a sophisticated parachute-based release mechanism to deploy the torpedo at the designated target accurately.
The missile’s design includes a dual-stage solid-propellant rocket, which is complemented by electro-mechanical actuators for precise course correction. To minimize detection, SMART utilizes sea-skimming flight trajectories. Connectivity is maintained through a two-way data link that integrates with airborne or ship-based systems for submarine detection and identification.
The flight test off the Odisha coast was not just a demonstration of raw power but also of intricate technological integration. The test validated several state-of-the-art mechanisms, including symmetric separation, ejection, and velocity control. These successful validations mark an essential milestone in the development of the SMART system.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed his commendation for the DRDO and its industry partners following the successful test. "The development of the system will further enhance the strength of our Navy," he stated, acknowledging the strategic importance of this indigenous achievement.
Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman of DRDO Samir V Kamat praised the synergistic efforts of the SMART team. He encouraged continued excellence, highlighting the critical role of the SMART system in strengthening India's maritime defense readiness.
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