Prithiv -II tested with modified ballistic trajectory

[thestringshredder]

Prithiv -II tested with modified ballistic trajectory

India on Monday created history by successfully test-firing its nuclear capable medium range surface-to-surface Prithvi-II missile in an altogether different trajectory from a defence base off the Odisha coast.

The 350-km range missile travelled along a lift- augmented modified ballistic trajectory unlike other ballistic missiles in its class which are conversant with a clear parabolic path. It moved down perfectly after attaining an altitude of over 50 km and then went up before zeroing in on the target as coordinated.

The test was aimed at checking the performance of manoeuvring stealth warheads besides gauging the efficiency and killing probability of the missile in a real time situation. Defence sources said a missile unit of the Army’s Strategic Forces Command (SFC) launched the indigenously developed ballistic missile in a complete operational configuration from the launching complex-III of Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur-on-sea at about 9.15 am.

ITR Director M V K V Prasad told this paper that the missile was tested for full range in an optimised and modified trajectory. “It was a perfect textbook launch. Equipped with indigenously developed advanced navigation and manoeuvring system, the missile achieved all its technical parameters, set out for this launch.”

The missile trajectory was tracked by the DRDO radars, electro-optical tracking systems and telemetry stations located along the coast.

The downrange teams onboard a naval ship deployed near the designated impact point in the Bay of Bengal had monitored the terminal events and splashdown. The entire flight path of the missile was smooth in accordance with pre-decided coordinates.

The missile, carrying a dummy payload, covered a distance of nearly 261 km in around 8 minutes.

Prithvi-II has the capability to carry 500 to 1,000 kgs of warhead. Inducted in the armed forces in 2003, the missile is now a proven technology. The launch was part of a regular training exercise of the SFC. Programme Director of AD Adalat Ali, Project Director N Siva Subramanyam, PXE Director R Appavuraj and others were present to oversee the launch operations.

Link - Prithiv -II tested with modified ballistic trajectory | idrw.org

 

[RISING SUN]

Can senior members throw some light on lift- augmented modified ballistic trajectory vs clear parabolic path? What's the difference between them? What's their strength & weakness?

 

[Yogi]

Can senior members throw some light on lift- augmented modified ballistic trajectory vs clear parabolic path? What's the difference between them? What's their strength & weakness?

If i got it correct then Clear Parabolic Path means the usual inverse U shape trajectory which BMs follow, it makes them predictable n hence could be intercepted but lift- augmented modified ballistic trajectory make a M shape i.e. Before hitting the target they again lift up one more time n r difficult to intercept.

Plz read this portion again from the article itself:

It move down perfectly after attainin an altitude of over 50 km and then went up before zeroin in on the target as coordinated.

Other Senior Members plz correct me if i m wrong.

@AhaseebA what r ur thoughts on Prithiv-II now?

 

[gambit]

Can senior members throw some light on lift- augmented modified ballistic trajectory vs clear parabolic path? What's the difference between them? What's their strength & weakness?

Easy.

Keyword search 'lift augmented devices'. That is -- DEVICES.

Basically, it is any mechanical contraption that exploits aerodynamic forces to modify the flight path of a surface to surface ballistic missile whose original design is for a pure ballistic arc. Fins are generally used for stabilization in the current trajectory, even if the fins have some movements to them. But if you install larger fins and give each of them any semblance of flaps or ailerons, you will have a modified ballistic flight, usually maneuvers to deceive or evade. Other assistive devices can be a combination of ramjet and rocket using the same combustion chamber to enhance range.

Use those keywords and there will be plenty of public information for you to read.

 

[AUz]

350km range?

Our air launched weapons have similar range!

 

[acetophenol]

350km range?

Our air launched weapons have similar range!

We have balistic missiles with range from 150km (Prithvi-1) to 5000 km (Agni-5).

 

[RISING SUN]

350km range?

Our air launched weapons have similar range!

Prithvi is being used as a testing platform for new things now. Most of them have been retired from battlefield. It's an old platform.

350km range?

Our air launched weapons have similar range!

We haven't seen Ballistic missiles fired from a air based platform like fighter jets, have we? Cruise missiles are a different ball game, so please don't bring them in.

Prithvi is very heavy, a fighter can't take such missiles to air to be fired from the same.

 

[BlueDot_in_Space]

Can senior members throw some light on lift- augmented modified ballistic trajectory vs clear parabolic path? What's the difference between them? What's their strength & weakness?

The trajectory of a lift augmented missile/warhead can be programmed to evade BMDs. Usually, a set of trajectories are available of which one is chosen to be programmed before launching the missile. Ballistic trajectory is predictable, so easy for BMDs to calculate and intercept them. In lift augmented missile/warhead, the trajectory is unpredictable and can vary any time during flight.

 

[a.kumar]

350km range?

Our air launched weapons have similar range!

Seriously ?? forgot about your Hatf-II with 180km range ??

 

[OrionHunter]

The 350-km range missile travelled along a lift- augmented modified ballistic trajectory unlike other ballistic missiles in its class which are conversant with a clear parabolic path. It moved down perfectly after attaining an altitude of over 50 km and then went up before zeroing in on the target as coordinated.

That's interesting! Requires very sophisticated computerized thrust vectoring technology! If they've achieved that, then .... Way to go!!

 

[HariPrasad]

One question Guys.

The Exhaust sees a bit different colored to me. Are they trying some new fuel? I also hear this for first time that it was tested for 350 KM with 1 ton payload.

 

[HariPrasad]

350km range?

Our air launched weapons have similar range!

It is with 1000 KG payload. How much your air launch weapon can carry? And yes air launch weapon always have a batter range since energy is not consumed in gaining height in initial stages of launch.

 

[The Deterrent]

@AhaseebA what r ur thoughts on Prithiv-II now?

Can you elaborate your question?

 

[Yogi]

Can you elaborate your question?

i mean with its new enhanced capabilities how does it fare against its Pakistani counterparts?
Does Pakistani missiles also possess such capabilities?
if not then how much advantage do u think India would gain?
or u think its more of a tech demonstrator for other heavier missiles?

n does Pakistan possess any anti missile system(similar to S300) which could have intercepted earlier version of Prithivi Missiles?

 

[The Deterrent]

i mean with its new enhanced capabilities how does it fare against its Pakistani counterparts?

The maneuvering comes at a cost of velocity, if you see, it took 8 minutes for a flight range of 260 km, which is quite longer time.
While it has better potential ABM evading capability and increased range, it is slower and the size of Prithvi missile also provides a bigger target (since there is no warhead separation). So e.g. Ghaznavi and Prithvi should not be compared in this case IMO.

Does Pakistani missiles also possess such capabilities?

No, Pakistani missiles have simple ballistic trajectories.

if not then how much advantage do u think India would gain?

India won't gain any advantage, since Pakistan does not possesses any ABM shield.

or u think its more of a tech demonstrator for other heavier missiles?

Yes, it might be a technology demonstrator for Shaurya/K-15 missile. Lofted trajectories are possible only with fins, so Agni series cannot have it IMO.

n does Pakistan possess any anti missile system(similar to S300) which could have intercepted earlier version of Prithivi Missiles?

No, Pakistan does not have any ABM. Prithvi-II is as deadly for Pakistan as it was before.