This missile blasts off like a rocket but later cruises like an aircraft
This missile blasts off like a rocket but later cruises like an aircraft. It is capable of flying at tree-top levels to evade detection by radars and deliver conventional as well as nuclear warheads. (Photo: PTI)
Bengaluru: This is a feat which the country’s defence scientists will cherish most, for the successful test launch of “Nirbhay,” the indigenous version of a Tomahawk cruise missile, not only put India on the same pedestal as half a dozen countries with similar capability but also clocked a performance beyond their expectations during its flight from DRDO’s test range at Chandipur, Odisha, on Friday.
“We are all very happy because it was a copybook flight which lasted about an hour and twelve minutes and covered more than 1000 km,” P. Srikumar, Director, Aeronautical Development Establishment , Bengaluru, where the missile was designed and integrated, told DC.
Missile capable of flying at tree-top levels
Unlike "BrahMos," the 290-km range supersonic cruise missile developed in collaboration with Russia, this long-range sub-sonic cruise missile has good loitering capability, good control and guidance, high degree of accuracy in terms of impact and very good stealth features. It will definitely bolster the country's offensive capability, says Dr. V. S. Arunachalam, former scientific adviser to the defence minister, adding that then defence minister Arun Singh was thrilled when he heard of ADE's plans to design such a missile at a joint commanders' conference in New Delhi in 1986-87.
"A sub-sonic cruise missile has a great advantage of being a cost-effective weapon of choice in the arsenal of armed forces," says Dr, K.G. Narayanan, former director of ADE. Initial studies on the configuration, propulsion and control systems of this cruise missile were carried out during his tenure.
This missile blasts off like a rocket but later cruises like an aircraft. It is capable of flying at tree-top levels to evade detection by radars and deliver conventional as well as nuclear warheads.
( Source : dc )
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