The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) of India successfully tested the SMART missile on May 1, 2024, from Kalam Island. This missile is not only visually stunning but poses a formidable threat. It's a long-range supersonic anti-submarine missile equipped with a 50 kilogram explosive warhead at its tip.
Why is it called SMART?
The full name of the missile is Supersonic Missile Assisted Release of Torpedo (SMART). Essentially, it's a torpedo that's been granted the velocity and force of a missile. This enables it to effectively bury enemy ships, warships, or submarines beneath the waves.
Source: aajtak
How is it launched?
The SMART missile is currently launched from a BEML-Tatra TEL truck or can be deployed on naval warships. There, it can be projected towards the enemy using a vertical launch system. Its warhead is highly explosive, generating a devastating blast upon impact.
What type of missile is it?
It's a two-stage solid rocket engine missile with an electric battery-operated torpedo. This means it draws propulsion power from solid fuel and silver-zinc batteries.
Range and speed of this weapon?
The SMART missile boasts a range of 643+20 km, meaning it can travel up to 643 kilometers at supersonic speeds before releasing the torpedo, which can then travel an additional 20 kilometers underwater. This feature confuses the enemy, as they cannot discern whether the attack is from a missile or a torpedo. It accelerates towards the adversary at a speed of 1234 km/hr.
Mid-flight target and speed adjustments
This brilliant missile operates on a mid-course inertial navigation system, which means the target can be altered mid-way, as can the speed. For adjustments, a simple datalink communication is required.
