Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) Missile

Context

DRDO conducted two successful test flights of the Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) missile.

About Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) missile 

• It is a Man Portable Air Defence System (MANPAD) designed and developed indigenously by DRDO’s Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad in collaboration with other DRDO laboratories and Indian Industry Partners.
• VSHORADS missile incorporates many novel technologies including miniaturised Reaction Control System (RCS) and integrated avionics, which have been successfully proven during the tests. 
• The missile, meant for neutralising low altitude aerial threats at short ranges is propelled by a dual thrust solid motor. 
• The design of the missile including launcher has been highly optimised to ensure easy portability. 

What are MANPADS?

• MANPADS are short-range, lightweight and portable surface-to-air missiles that can be fired by individuals or small groups to destroy aircraft or helicopters.
• They help shield troops from aerial attacks and are most effective in targeting low-flying aircraft.
• MANPATs or Man-Portable Anti-Tank Systems work in a similar manner but are used to destroy or incapacitate military tanks.
• MANPADS have a maximum range of 8 kilometers and can engage targets at altitudes of 4.5 km.
• The first MANPADS were introduced by the United States and Soviet Union in the 1960s.

About Reaction Control System

• A Reaction Control System (RCS) is responsible for attitude control and steering by the use of thrusters.
• The RCS system is capable of providing small amounts of thrust in any desired direction or combination of directions.

Significance

• This new missile equipped with modern technologies will give further technological boost to the Armed Forces.