A major milestone was achieved by a direct hit on a Banshee Pilotless target aircraft at medium range and medium altitude by the Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile (QRSAM) System.
The missile launch took place from ITR Chandipur at 1550 hrs off the Odisha Coast on 13 Nov 2020.A single stage solid propellant rocket motor is propelled by the missile and uses all indigenous sub-systems. Using a mobile launcher capable of carrying six canisterized missiles, the missile is canisterized for transport and launch.
In the flight test, all QRSAM weapon system elements such as Battery Multifunction Radar, Battery Surveillance Radar, Vehicle Battery Command Post and Mobile Launcher were deployed.The system is capable of detecting and tracking moving targets and short-stop target engagement.
The system is designed to provide coverage for air defence against Indian Army attack columns.
The radar tracked the Banshee target from the farthest range and launched the missile when the target was within the kill zone and achieved a direct hit by RF Seeker guidance with terminal active homing. Various DRDO labs have participated in the test: DRDL, RCI, LRDE, R&DE(E), IRDE, ITR.
Through Defence PSUs BEL, BDL and private industry L&T, the weapon system elements have been realised. With active RF Seekers, Electro Mechanical Actuation (EMA) systems sourced from various industries, the missile system is fully indigenous. The radar is the Active Phased Array Radar with four walls. All range Tracking stations, Radar, EOTs & Telemetry Stations monitored the flight parameters.
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh and DD R&D Secretary & DRDO Chairman Dr. G Satheesh Reddy congratulated the success of DRDO Scientists.