In a significant advancement for indigenous defense capabilities, the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has announced the successful development of ramjet-assisted artillery shells. This innovation promises to enhance the range of existing artillery gun systems by nearly 50%, all while maintaining their lethality.
The heart of this breakthrough lies in the integration of a ramjet engine into standard 155 mm artillery ammunition, replacing the traditional base-bleed unit. Unlike standard artillery shells that depend purely on their initial muzzle velocity for propulsion, the new design provides sustained thrust after exiting the gun barrel. This crucial enhancement allows for a considerable extension of the shell’s flight range.
The ramjet-assisted shells have demonstrated remarkable improvements in range across several key Indian artillery platforms, including:
- ATAGS (Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System): Range increased from approximately 40 km to 70 km.
- K9 Vajra-T: Range enhanced from 36 km to 62 km.
- Dhanush Artillery Gun: Range boosted from 30 km to 55 km.
Crucially, these enhancements have been achieved without modifying the artillery systems themselves, underscoring the significant potential of ammunition-centric upgrades to bolster battlefield effectiveness.
The project, initiated in 2020 in cooperation with the Indian Army, has undergone extensive testing, including gun and field trials. These trials have confirmed several critical parameters:
- A clean and safe exit from the gun.
- Stable flight during the mid-course phase.
- Reliable ignition of the ramjet and sustained propulsion throughout the shell’s flight.
The successful outcomes validate the viability of using ramjet-assisted projectiles in actual combat scenarios.
This development aligns closely with India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, illustrating the capability to enhance existing weapon systems rather than opting for complete replacements. Such improvements not only promise cost-effectiveness but also provide future-ready firepower. Moreover, extending range significantly enhances crew safety, allowing artillery units to operate at a greater distance from enemy counter-battery fire.
The project was spearheaded by P A Ramakrishna, with contributions from a multidisciplinary team, including P R Shankar, Hari Mohan Iyer, alongside senior IIT Madras faculty members such as HSN Murthy, G Rajesh, M Ramakrishna, Murugaiyan, Lazar C, and Dr. Yogesh Kumar Velari.
Defense analysts perceive this innovation as a potential revolutionary shift in Indian artillery strategy. Combining enhanced range with existing gun platforms could notably improve deep-strike capabilities, lessen logistical burdens, and bolster deterrence in the face of future high-intensity conflicts.
