Integration of Missiles and Armaments on Aircraft

Centre for Artificial Intelligence & Robotics (CAIR)

Integration of Brahmos on Su-30 MKI

Supersonic Air to Surface Cruise Missile “BrahMos” has been integrated and successfully launched from Su-30 MKI fighter aircraft for the first time in the world. Integration of BrahMos weighing 2.5 tonne on Su-30 MKI aircraft was a technical challenge to all the concerned organisations. In the absence of design data and other details, evolving qualification and certification requirements was a greater challenge to the regulatory authority. RCMA (Nasik) evolved the qualification and certification requirements leading to clearance of aircraft modification and associated systems towards integration and flight trials. Recent launching of live missile from Su-30 MKI aircraft as a final user trial with a copy book results is a testimonial to the achievements contributed by RCMA (Nasik). This integration and launching of BrahMos from modified Su-30 MKI aircraft has paved way for induction of BrahMos Missile in IAF arsenal inventory. This integration has enhanced the confidence level for integration of any other stores of similar kinds on any other aircraft in future.

The successful integration of BrahMos has resulted in enhancing the deep striking capability of IAF. In this regard, RCMA (Nasik) contributed significantly towards successful airworthiness certification. RCMA (Nasik) has accorded various clearances for aircraft modification and other systems related to integration and launching. The synergy and concurrent certification adopted by RCMA (Nasik) is recognised by DRDO by conferring Agni Award -2017

Centre for Artificial Intelligence & Robotics (CAIR)

Integration of HELINA on ALH

HELINA (HELIcopter-launched-NAg) is third generation, lock on before launch (LOBL) fire and forget anti tank guided missile with both TOP attack and Direct attack capability. The missile has a maximum range capability of 7+ km. The missile will be integrated with weaponized version of Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH). Eight HELINA missiles can be integrated on to ALH-WSI (Rudra), four on either side. A twin-launcher capable of carrying two ‘HELINA’ missiles is designed and there are four such launchers in full configuration, two on either side of the helicopter armament boom.

Total 30 hrs of cumulative captive hours and 13 air launch trials completed successfully

Centre for Artificial Intelligence & Robotics (CAIR)

Integration of ASTRA MK-I, MK-II on Su-30

ASTRA is a beyond visual range class of air to air missile. ASTRA missile is designed to be launched from various aircraft such as Su-30 MKI, TEJAS, MiG-29 and Mirage 2000. It is with an active-radar homing. ASTRA was originally designed for a launch range of 100 Km (head-on) for the specified engagement scenario. As per mutual agreement between Airforce and DRDO, Astra in phase-I (Astra Mk-I) will achieve a launch range of 44 kms and aim of 100 kms range will be fulfilled through updated configuration called Astra Mk-II. The missile has an effective launch envelope from sea level to 20 km, and a maneuvering capability of 27g. The missile can be launched at speeds ranging from Mach 0.6 to Mach 2.2. The missile uses a solid smokeless propulsion system. The missile is rail launched from the parent aircraft and is accelerated by a solid rocket motor booster that burns for about 7 seconds and subsequently coasts towards the target

Air to Air BVR class missile has been developed in the country for the first time. The objectives of dispensation have been met with 29 successful launches.

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