New Delhi: India today successfully flight-tested the Supersonic Missile-Assisted Release of Torpedo (SMART) system from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha.
SMART is a next-generation missile-based lightweight torpedo delivery system, designed and developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to enhance the anti-submarine warfare capability of the Indian Navy far beyond the conventional range of lightweight torpedoes.
This canister-based missile system consists of several advanced sub-systems, namely a two-stage solid propulsion system, electromechanical actuator system, precision inertial navigation system etc. The system carries an advanced lightweight torpedo as a payload along with a parachute-based release system.
The missile was launched from the ground mobile launcher at around 0830 hours. Several state-of-the-art mechanisms such as symmetric separation, ejection and velocity control have been validated in this test.
This was the third trial of the SMART system. Its first successful test was done on October 5, 2020, from Abdul Kalam Island as part of a demonstration test to check missile flight for maximum range and altitude, separation of the nose cone, release of torpedo and deployment of velocity reduction mechanism. The second trial took place on December 13, 2021, from Integrated Test Range (ITR), Odisha when the entire trajectory was monitored by the electro-optic telemetry system, various range radars including the downrange instrumentation and downrange ships. The missile carried a torpedo, parachute delivery system and release mechanisms.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh today complimented the DRDO and the industry partners on the successful flight test of SMART. “The development of the system will further enhance the strength of our Navy,” he said.
Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Dr Samir V Kamat lauded the synergistic efforts of the entire SMART team and urged it to continue on the path of excellence.
– global bihari bureau
