New Delhi: In about eight months, a deadly combat platform-the Russian-made supersonic Sukhoi fighter (Su-MKI 30) aircraft integrated with the lethal Brahmos missile-is expected will join the join the ranks of the Indian Air Force (IAF).
“There are plans to deploy fighter squadrons of the Sukhoi aircraft with the integrated heavyweight Brahmos missile within the first four months of 2017,” a top defence source told this newspaper on condition of anonymity, adding that outmost priority is being accorded to move things at a much faster pace.
India plans to raise three squadrons of Sukhoi-30 fighters equipped with Brahmos missiles.
“By December 2016, two key and final tests where the Brahmos air variant will be fired from the Su-MKI 30 to a sea-borne and a land-based target will be completed. These tests will be conducted jointly by India and Russia. After that we will integrate the
Brahmos-Su MKI 30 platform and make them ready for deliveries,” the official said. Explaining the distinctive features of the air variant, the source elaborated: “The air variant of the Brahmos is different in the sense that it is about 500 kg lighter in weight, a little shorter, it will have tail fins to aid the free-fall and then a differently-shaped nosecap so as to have as less air resistance as possible."
The missile, fitted in the Sukhoi-30 fuselage, will be released from the aircraft first. Once it drops clear of the aircraft, the missile’s booster engine will ignite, propelling the weapon towards its target.
What makes the combination lethal is that the stealth-capable Sukhoi-30 which flies at a speed 2.8 times more than that of sound, will carry the Brahmos which is remarkable for the kinetic energy it generates due to its very high speed, heavy payload, low flight range with variety of flight trajectories, and a low radar signature for a stealthy approach.
On June 25, Indian scientists created history by flying the Brahmos for 58 minutes (45 minutes in-flight) with a Sukhoi 30 at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Nashik. According to sources, the jet-missile combo could also become a very lucrative export for India.
