ECIL systems play vital role in Akash missile programme

HYDERABAD: Electronics Corporation of India Limited ( ECIL), in partnership with Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), is supplying critical electronic systems for Akash Weapon System (AWS) to be inducted into the Indian Army at a function in Delhi tomorrow.

'Akash' is a surface-to-air missile indigenously developed by the Defence Research Development Laboratory ( DRDL), under Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP), Hyderabad-based ECIL noted in a statement.

BDL is the prime production agency of this missile programme for Army. BDL entrusted the responsibility of realising the critical ground support systems -- the combat command and control centre (CCC) and the mobile system for missile checkout (MSMC) -- to ECIL, it said.

The first off production models (FOPM) of these systems were successfully realised and delivered by ECIL in close association with DRDL, the statement said.

Based on successful performance of FOPM, clearance was obtained for the bulk manufacture and supply of two regiments of AWS to Army.

The CCC is based on an advanced command control computer communication and intelligence (C4I) architecture for precise and effective engagement of Akash missiles against moving targets, ECIL explained.

"This is the heart of the weapon system which is capable of launching missiles based on the information obtained for the radar systems. CCC can also serve as the nerve centre for interoperability with other weapon systems located in the base," it said.

The MSMC checks the readiness of a fully integrated missile involving all missile electronic subsystems in the field with Go or No Go status.

It is a computerised checkout system installed on a high mobility chassis. The system is designed for field use suitable for desert and cross country drives.

It can quickly be deployed in the field and can be moved at a short notice, ECIL said.