DRDO Explores Triple Pulse Propulsion for Astra MkIV BVRAAM Missile, Aiming for Superior Manoeuvrability and Range

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is reportedly embarking on the development of a new Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM), tentatively designated Astra MkIV.

This new missile is envisioned to succeed the Astra MkIII, which currently represents the cutting edge of India's air-to-air missile technology. Conceptual studies for the Astra MkIV are already underway, with a focus on incorporating advanced technologies to significantly enhance the Indian Air Force's (IAF) combat capabilities.

One of the key technologies under consideration for the Astra MkIV is the Triple Pulse Solid Motor. This innovative propulsion system presents a potential cost-effective alternative to traditional Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SDFR) technology, which is often complex and expensive. The DRDO aims to achieve comparable range and performance to the Astra MkIII with this new propulsion system, while ensuring affordability and scalability for production.

The Triple Pulse Solid Motor functions by dividing the rocket motor into three distinct segments or pulses. These pulses ignite sequentially, providing controlled bursts of propulsion throughout the missile's flight. This staged approach allows for optimized fuel consumption, leading to extended range and enhanced manoeuvrability. By eliminating the need for a continuous-thrust ramjet, the missile can achieve greater distances while simplifying manufacturing and maintenance processes.

This technology could offer significant tactical advantages in aerial combat. The ability to control propulsion in stages allows for greater flexibility in flight, potentially enabling rapid speed changes and more agile trajectory adjustments. The DRDO believes this approach could provide the IAF with a highly capable missile system without incurring excessive costs.

It's important to note that the Astra MkIV program is still in its early stages. While the Triple Pulse Solid Motor is a promising candidate, the final design and technical specifications are yet to be finalized. The DRDO continues to evaluate various technologies and approaches to ensure the Astra MkIV meets the evolving needs of the IAF in modern aerial warfare.

 

[sanket]

It may be cost-effective, but not as effective as SFDR. It's a game of First shoot First kill. First, we were demanding Meteor on Tejas MK1A & Su-30MKI, now after developing Astra MK3 based on SFDR tech, why again Triple pulse motor?

 

[Rajesh M]

For Astra MK4, we have to move from ramjet(SFDR) supersonic technology towards scramjet hypersonic technology - similar to what China is doing already. From a technology evolution perspective, triple pulse motor can at the most be classified as Astra MK2A and definitely not as 4th Gen.

 

[abhinav srivastava]

Good thinking. Israel has developed three pulse motor based Stunner missile for David Sling. It is developing an air to air variant for that as well.

 

[Radha Ramanan]

There is suddenly a flurry of reports that many long-range AAM are being designed. Air-to-air combat is not only about the range of the missile but many more factors, some that may render long-range missiles ineffective.

NO missile is fired to the max theoretical range but under the No Escape Zone envelope to assure a kill, much unlike the Pakis that fired off many AMRAAMs in the post-Balakot skirmish hoping that one would hit. None of the SU-30s were hit as they jammed and outmaneuvered the AMRAAMs. Pakis did that to avoid coming into the no-escape zone of the R-77. The Su-30 crew were more disciplined not to fire off blindly, and getting adverse comments for not firing their R-77 missiles.

Today's world is more of net-centric air and battle, with missiles having dual sensor seekers like the Israeli Stunner that has an IR and RF seeker. Russia was the first to have a doctrine to fire 2 missiles simultaneously like the IR and RF version of the R-27. So a longer-range AAM will have a longer no-escape zone like the Meteor and the Chinese PL-15. AAMs are always in development, like the AMRAAM that has been around for a very long time.

All long-range missiles need an AESA radar to guide them at extreme ranges to make full use of the missile capability. AMRAAM NOE is 30 km, the Meteor and the Astra 3 will be 100km, so any fighter locked on within this zone will find it difficult to escape.

 

[beencensured]

NO missile is fired to the max theoretical range but under the No Escape Zone envelope to assure a kill, much unlike the Pakis that fired off many AMRAAMs in the post-Balakot skirmish hoping that one would hit.

Now, Chinese have air-to air missiles with 1000km range. I wonder what is the no escape zone if they have such abilities.

 

[Sandeep]

It’s great that we are looking at different alternatives with different type of technology as there are different type of threats which can cost a lot of money. So we should create a variety based on the costs as well.

 

[Spectre]

We should probably use this tech in Pinakka projectile instead of scramjet.

 

[Radha Ramanan]

Now, Chinese have air-to air missiles with 1000km range. I wonder what is the no escape zone if they have such abilities.

That is a joke really, pse do not waste time and energy dwelling on that fictious report. There are lot of misinformation being dished out by the chinese media for psychological warfare thats all.

There is another joke saying it is an air-breathing hypersonic missile as well! If at all that is real, the missile will be bigger than the fighter itself to cover that range! A SAM can do the job better as the radar will be bigger and more powerful to guide the missile, nearly as big as the S-400 missile! At 1000 km, the curvature of the earth will prohibit the missile-carrying fighter to detect at that range. There is no fighter radar that can reach to that range as well. Imagine a fighter carrying a missile as big as that?

 

[Dipesh Debnath]

We should probably use this tech in Pinakka projectile instead of scramjet.

Instead of dual pulse in 180-degree phase apart, this 3 pulse will be in 120-degree phase apart. The latest tech is a rotating detonation engine that continuously rotates without any phase apart. This generates huge thrust in hypersonic range.