Astra Missile

 Astra Missile : Recently, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), in collaboration with the Indian Air Force (IAF), successfully flight-tested the Astra Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM).

o The missile, equipped with an indigenously developed Radio Frequency (RF) seeker, was launched from a Su-30 Mk-I fighter aircraft off the coast of Odisha.

• About Astra Missile : Specifically built for integration with Indian Air Force (IAF) fighter jets.

o Key Features: Range: Over 100 km; capable of neutralizing targets without direct visual contact.

ü Altitude: Effective engagement up to 20 km.

ü Speed: Capable of reaching Mach 4.5 (4.5 times the speed of sound).

ü Weight & Dimensions: Weighs 154 kg; length 3.6 m; diameter 178 mm.

ü All-Weather Capability: Operational in day/night and adverse weather conditions.

ü Kill Probability: High Single Shot Kill Probability (SSKP).

o Propulsion: Based on Solid-Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR) engine technology.

o Targeting Modes: Supports both Lock-On Before Launch (LOBL) and Lock-On After Launch (LOAL). Enables “fire-and-forget” capability, enhancing pilot safety.

• RF seeker is a critical component of a missile’s guidance system that helps it locate and lock onto its target using radio waves (typically in the radar frequency range).