India successfully launches Supersonic Missile Assisted Torpedo System

Context

Recently, a supersonic missile-assisted torpedo system developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) was successfully launched from Wheeler Island in Odisha.

About Supersonic Missile Assisted Torpedo (SMART)

• Developed by: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
• For: Indian Navy
• SMART has been designed to enhance anti-submarine warfare capability far beyond the conventional range of the torpedo.
• A torpedo with a range of a few kilometres can be sent a distance to the tune of 1000 km by the missile system from where the torpedo is launched.
• Torpedoes, self-propelled weapons that travel underwater to hit a target, are limited by their range. To overcome that, the DRDO has developed the SMART system.
• Key-features

• It is a canister-based missile system.?? Canisterisation of missiles reduces the time required to launch the missile while improving its storage and mobility.
• It consists of advanced technologies viz.
• two-stage solid propulsion
• electro-mechanical actuators
• precision inertial navigation

Key-highlights of the launch

• This was a textbook launch, in which the entire trajectory of the test was monitored by the electro optic telemetry system and several range radars, including down range instrumentation & down range ships.
• SMART carried a torpedo, release mechanisms and parachute delivery system.
• It was launched from a ground mobile launcher and can cover a range of distances.
• The Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) has developed the weapon for the Indian Navy.