TRISHUL – BACK ON COURSE
There is no proposal
of downgrading the Trishul Missile project. The technical problems
have been analysed and the requisite modifications affected in
various guidance and sub-systems and in the composition of the
propellant. Four Trishul missiles were launched in full combat
configuration from a Trishul Combat Vehicle from June 22 to June
25, 2003 in the presence of the service officers. All flight objectives
were met. It has been decided that further flight trials of Trishul
will be carried out in association with the users.
Trishul is a
quick reaction, low level missile system being developed in surface
to air role with the capability to engage targets upto 9 km, and
as anti sea skimming missile against low level missiles. The Trishul
missile system being developed is common for all the three services.
However, ground systems and launch platforms are different for
the three users.
During some of
the trials prior to June 2003, the Trishul missile system was
not meeting all the desired parameters. The problem lay in the
consistency of its guidance and control system. It was during
that stage that the Navy was allowed to import through a fast-paced
reanalysis in the R&D mode.
Having overcome
the technological problems, Trishul missile was readied for the
launches during June 2003. All the missile sub-systems, air frames,
controls, integrated with ground control system of the combat
vehicle etc. – worked as expected – achieving mis-distance against
moving targets better than the one specified.
