SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has achieved a significant milestone in India’s armored warfare capabilities with the development of an indigenous Active Protection System (APS) Radar designed for the Arjun Mk1A Main Battle Tank (MBT) and the Future Main Battle Tank (FMBT). This advanced radar system, which enhances the survivability of armored vehicles by detecting and tracking incoming threats, is now ready and will soon undergo trials onboard an older prototype of the Arjun MBT. This development underscores DRDO’s commitment to bolstering India’s defense capabilities through cutting-edge technology and aligns with the nation’s pursuit of self-reliance under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
The APS Radar is a critical component of an active protection system designed to counter modern battlefield threats, such as anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs), rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs), and kinetic energy penetrators. By integrating this radar into the Arjun Mk1A and the FMBT, DRDO aims to provide these tanks with a proactive defense mechanism, ensuring their effectiveness and crew safety in high-threat environments.
The DRDO’s APS Radar, identified as the SEARS OF 33, incorporates state-of-the-art features that make it a formidable addition to India’s armored platforms. Below are the key specifications and capabilities of this system:
- X-Band AESA Radar: The APS Radar operates in the X-band frequency range (8-12 GHz) and utilizes an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) design. This technology enables rapid electronic beam steering, allowing the radar to detect and track multiple fast-moving projectiles with high precision and minimal latency.
- Integrated OBC Communication: The radar is seamlessly integrated with the tank’s On-Board Computer (OBC) via Ethernet connectivity. It transmits real-time data, including projectile velocity, distance, and tracking information, enabling the OBC to coordinate an effective response, such as activating countermeasures or adjusting the tank’s defensive posture.
- Tile Array Design: The system employs an innovative Tile Array design, which enhances performance, reliability, and scalability. This modular architecture reduces weight and maintenance complexity while ensuring consistent radar performance under challenging conditions.
- High Radiating Element Count: With 256 radiating elements, the APS Radar provides exceptional resolution and a wide field of view. This high element count ensures precise detection and tracking of small, high-speed threats, a critical requirement for countering modern anti-tank munitions.
- Extended Detection Range: The radar can detect projectiles at distances of up to 1,000 meters, offering an extended early warning capability. This range allows the APS to identify and respond to threats well before they reach the tank, maximizing protection for the crew and vehicle.
- Versatile Deployment Options: The APS Radar is available in both plank and tile array versions, providing flexibility to adapt to different vehicle configurations and operational requirements. This versatility ensures compatibility with the Arjun Mk1A, FMBT, and potentially other armored platforms in the future.
The Future Main Battle Tank (FMBT), currently under development by DRDO’s Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (CVRDE), is envisioned as a next-generation platform to replace the Indian Army’s aging T-72 fleet. Designed to weigh around 50 tons, the FMBT will feature advanced technologies, including a high-caliber smoothbore gun, network-centric warfare capabilities, and active protection systems. The APS Radar is a cornerstone of this design, ensuring that the FMBT is equipped to handle future battlefield threats.
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