Astra (missile)

Astra
Artist's image of Astra.
Type	Air to Air Missile
Place of origin	India
Production history
Manufacturer	DRDO
Produced	Pre Production/Testing
Specifications
Weight	154 kg
Length	3570 mm
Diameter	178 mm
Warhead	15 kg (33 lb) HE fragmentation directional warhead
Detonation mechanism	Radar proximity fuse
Engine	Solid Fuel Rocket
Wingspan	254 mm
Operational range	80-110 km in head on chase 20 km in tail chase
Flight ceiling	66,000 ft
Speed	Mach 4.5+
Guidance system	Inertial, mid-course update and terminal active radar homing (15 km)
Launch platform	Su-30MKI (ongoing trials). HAL Tejas (expected), Dassault Rafale (expected), HAL AMCA (expected) Sukhoi/HAL FGFA (expected), Mirage 2000 (expected) and MiG-29UPG (expected)

Astra (Sanskrit: अस्त्र, Astra: Throwing weapon) is an active radar homing beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM) developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), India. Astra is designed to be capable of engaging targets at varying range and altitudes allowing for engagement of both short-range targets (up to 20 km) and long-range targets (up to 80-110 km) using alternative propulsion modes. Except for a failure in one test, the missile has successfully completed all its tests. The missile was last tested on 18 March 2015 from a Su-30MKI fighter against a simulated live target. Astra uses a smokeless propulsion system.

The missile guidance is provided by a terminal active radar-seeker and an updated mid-course internal guidance system, which locates and tracks targets. On-board electronic counter-measures jam radar signals from enemy radar, making tracking of the missile difficult. The performance characteristics of the missile are similar to the R-77RVV-AE (AA-12) and Super 530D, both currently used by the IAF. It is 3.8 metres long and is narrower in front of the wings. The propellant used is HTPB (solid-fuel). The warhead is a 15 kg HE (high-explosive) which is activated by a proximity fuse. The missile's maximum speed is Mach 4.5+ and can attain maximum altitude of 20 km. The missile can handle 40 g turns near sea level while attacking a manoeuvring target. Astra has ECCM features and has improved effectiveness in multi-target scenarios. It can be launched in both autonomous and buddy mode operation and can achieve lock-on on its target before or after it is launched.

DRDO started developing the beyond visual range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM) to arm the Indian Air Force's Mirage 2000H, MiG-29, Sea Harrier, Su-30MKI, MiG-21 Bison and HAL Tejas fighter aircraft. The missile uses an indigenous solid fuel propellant. A rocket/ramjet propulsion for improved range and enhanced kinematic performance, similar to that used in the Akash surface-to-air missile, is also being developed.