INDIA SUCCESSFULLY CARRIES OUT TRIALS OF SUPERSONIC MISSILE-ASSISTED TORPEDO SYSTEM

NEW DELHI: According to defence officials, the missile system is being developed for the Indian Navy by the Defence Research and Development Organisation.

The supersonic missile-assisted torpedo (SMART) system is a next generation standoff torpedo delivery system designed to enhance the Navy's anti-submarine warfare capabilities. The medium-range supersonic missile carries a torpedo, parachute delivery system and release mechanisms.

The indigenous supersonic missile-assisted torpedo system (SMART), which has a far greater range than conventional torpedoes to target enemy submarines.

The SMART system has a range "several times" that of the 20-40-km conventional torpedoes.

The canister-based missile system consists of several advanced sub-systems, namely two-stage solid propulsion system, electromechanical actuator system, precision inertial navigation system etc. The system carries advanced light-weight torpedo as payload along with parachute-based release system. The missile was launched from the ground mobile launcher.

According to the officials, several state-of-the-art mechanisms such as symmetric separation, ejection and velocity control have been validated in this test.

The missile is launched from a ground mobile launcher and can cover a range of distances. A number of DRDO laboratories developed various technologies for this system, while the industry participated in the development and production of various sub-systems.

Congratulating the DRDO, defence minister Rajnath Singh said “The development of the system will further enhance the strength of our Navy.”

Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Dr Samir V Kamat also lauded the synergistic efforts of the entire SMART team and urged it to continue on the path of excellence.