| SMART | |
|---|---|
_launch.jpg) SMART launched fromIntegrated Test Range | |
| Type | Anti-submarine missile |
| Place of origin | India |
| Service history | |
| Used by | Indian Navy |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Defence Research and Development Organisation |
| Designed | 2018–19 |
| Specifications | |
| Warhead | Torpedo Advanced Light Shyena[1] |
| Engine | Two-stagesolid rocket |
Operational range | 643 km (400 mi) |
| Maximum speed | Mach 2.5[2] |
Guidance system | INS +mid-course update viadatalink |
Launch platform |
|
SMART (supersonic missile assisted release of torpedo) is a canister-based, long-rangesupersonicanti-submarine missile developed by theDefence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for theIndian Navy.[3]
SMART is a canisterised hybrid system, made up of a long-range missile carrier that can travel atsupersonic speed and a lightweight torpedo as payload, foranti-submarine warfare (ASW) role. The objective behind the project was to develop a quick-reaction system that can launch torpedoes fromstandoff distance.[4] The missile has a range of 643 km (400 mi) carrying a light weight torpedo of range 20 km (12.5 mi) with 50 kghigh explosive warhead.[5] SMART uses two-way data link connected to airborne or ship based submarine detection and identification systems.[4] SMART can be launched from a surface ship or a truck-based coastal battery.[6][7]
The missile delivery system was developed jointly byDefence Research Development Laboratory (DRDL) andResearch Centre Imarat (RCI).Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL) developed the autonomous lightweight torpedo and associated technologies such as detonation mechanism, underwater guidance andunderwater thruster.Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE) developed the velocity reduction mechanism that act before releasing an autonomous lightweight torpedo towards the designated target. SMART is part of fusion project to combine technologies of institutions dealing with land and naval based armaments.[8][9]High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL) developed the insensitive explosive formulations for naval warhead.[10]
TheMinistry of Defence (MoD) in 2018–19 annual report mentioned that DRDO started the development and demonstration of missile assisted release of light weight torpedo for ASW role. The ejection trial was done usingTorpedo Advanced Light Shyena.[11][12]
The missile is powered by a dual stagesolid-propellant rocket and utilizes electro-mechanicalactuators for course correction. For in-flight guidance, SMART uses ainertial navigation system (INS), and allowsreal-time course correction and target updating via datalink. The missile utilizessea skimming in order to reduce detection range.[7][13] SMART is similar in concept to the now cancelledUUM-125 Sea Lance fromBoeing.[11] The system is under-development due to increasing deployment of submarines byPeople's Liberation Army Navy Submarine Force (PLANSF) in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), rapid modernization of naval assets byPeople's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) and the building of Chinese overseas military bases in Africa.[14][15][16]
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On 5 October 2020, The first successful test of SMART was done fromAbdul Kalam Island. This was part of 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.[7]
On 13 December 2021, the second test of SMART was conducted successfully fromIntegrated Test Range (ITR), Odisha.[17] The entire trajectory was monitored by the electro-optic telemetry system, various rangeradars including the downrange instrumentation and downrange ships. The missile carried a torpedo, parachute delivery system and release mechanisms.[18]
Two field tests were conducted in 2023, and certain parameters—such as parachute deployment, torpedo ejection, and missile nose opening—were successfully achieved.[19]
On 1 May 2024, DRDO successfully conducted the third SMART missile trial fromIntegrated Test Range,Balasore,Odisha. The entire range capability was demonstrated during the test, which was carried out using a ground-based canister launcher system.[20] The test confirmed velocity control, ejection, and symmetric separation. Precisioninertial navigation, an electromechanicalactuator system, and a two-stage solid propulsion system were all part of the missile architecture. The system's payload consisted of a sophisticated lightweight torpedo and a parachute-based release mechanism.[21][22]
