SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is gearing up for flight trials of the TARA (Tactical Advanced Range Augmentation) precision guidance kit, a significant development by DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation). The ADM& SPJ division of AIRPPNCSS Group within ARDE (Armament Research and Development Establishment) has formally requested flight test support from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on Su-30 MKI aircraft.
TARA represents a major leap forward in the IAF’s air-to-ground weaponry. This indigenous guidance kit transforms unguided bombs into smart munitions, significantly enhancing their accuracy and effectiveness.
Developed with versatility in mind, TARA will come in several variants: TARA 250, 450, and 500, corresponding to their bomb body weight (250kg, 450kg, and 500kg respectively). These bomb bodies will utilize either General Purpose (GP) or High-Speed Low Drag (HSLD) configurations, both already proven and integrated with IAF jets by DRDO.
TARA boasts several features designed for exceptional performance:
- Actuated Rear Fins: These fins provide precise aerodynamic control during flight.
- High-Speed Capability: TARA bombs can achieve speeds between 640 and 1200 kilometres per hour.
- Exceptional Accuracy: The system offers a Circular Error Probable (CEP) of less than 30 meters with just INS-GPS guidance, and a remarkable improvement to less than 3 meters when incorporating a SAL seeker in the terminal phase.
- Manoeuvrability: TARA bombs possess the ability to perform terminal manoeuvres with a flexible Angle of Attack (AoA).
TARA is designed for integration with both the LCA Tejas and the Su-30 MKI fighter jets. With manufacturing complete, the IAF’s planned flight trials on the Su-30 MKI mark a crucial step towards operational deployment.
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