India successfully conducts flight trials of first-of-its-kind naval anti-ship missile NASM-SR

Trials have proven missile's Man-in-Loop feature

According to the Ministry of Defence, the trials have proven the missile's Man-in-Loop feature and scored a direct hit on a small ship target in sea-skimming mode at its maximum range. "The missile uses an indigenous imaging infra-red seeker for terminal guidance. The mission also demonstrated the high bandwidth two-way data-link system, which is used to transmit the seeker’s live images back to the pilot for in-flight retargeting," the ministry said.

The missile was launched in Bearing-only Lock-on after launch mode with several targets in close vicinity for selecting one among them. The missile initially locked on to a large target within a specified zone of search and during the terminal phase, the pilot selected a smaller hidden target resulting in its being hit with pinpoint accuracy.

"The missile uses an indigenous Fiber Optic Gyroscope-based INS and Radio Altimeter for its Mid-course guidance, an Integrated avionics module, Electro-Mechanical actuators for Aerodynamic and Jet vane control, thermal batteries and PCB warhead. It uses solid propulsion with an in-line ejectable booster and a long-burn sustainer. The trials have met all the mission objectives," it said.

Missile is developed by different labs of DRDO

The missile has been developed by different labs of DRDO, including Research Centre Imarat, Defence Research and Development Laboratory, High Energy Materials Research Laboratory and Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory. The missiles are currently being produced by Development cum Production Partners with the help of MSME’s, start-ups and other production partners.

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has congratulated DRDO, Indian Navy and the industries for the successful flight tests. The tests for Man-in-Loop features is unique as it gives the capability of in flight retargeting, he said.