Balasore(Odisha), The BRAHMOS supersonic cruise
missile was successfully flight-tested on 8th July 2014 from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) Chandipur in
Balasore, Odisha.
During the launch at 1038 hrs, the missile flew through the
designated 290 kms distance at Mach 2.8 and achieved high precision with steep
dive once again.
Dr. A. Sivathanu Pillai, CEO and MD, BrahMos Aerospace confirmed
that it was a text book launch achieving 100% results, executed with high
precision from the Mobile Autonomous Launcher (MAL) prepared by the BRAHMOS 3rd regiment of Indian Army team.
In a historical first, the advanced guidance system integrating
multiple navigation satellites powered with new software algorithm, developed
indigenously by Indian scientists and industries resulted in pinpoint accuracy
of the missile system against hidden land targets.
This was the 44th launch of BRAHMOS
which was carried out with high level of reliability. About 205 Indian
industries have come in a big way by significantly contributing their knowhow
and expertise in realising the BRAHMOS weapon system.
Indigenous airframe produced by L&T and Godrej, guidance
system by HAL, OBC, MIU by Ananth Technologies Ltd., Electronics industries,
software development and guidance scheme by DRDO/RCI have been proved in the
flight increasing the content from Indian industries.
Dr. Pillai, CEO & MD, BrahMos, further informed that this
development flight trial of BRAHMOS, making world record, has proved three key
aspects for the success of the mission:
Achieving high level of accuracy with multiple navigation
satellites integrated with advanced software, without homing device, thus
enabling pinpoint accuracy and further enhancing the precision capability
against hidden land targets including mountainous regions.
Accomplishing the supersonic steep dive capability against
difficult land targets. Realisation of airframe, both composite & metallic,
built by the Indian industries which were tested and evaluated and altogether
provided substantial increase of Indian produced content in the missile.
The missile's successful launch will give a boost to the ongoing
programme of future installations of BRAHMOS system in the Indian Army against
hidden land targets for mountain warfare operations.
The BRAHMOS missile, the fastest in the world, has a flight
range of up to 290 km and carries a conventional warhead of 200 to 300 kg, thus
delivering with high-precision, devastating power at supersonic speed.
The Army and Navy have already inducted the missile system. The
launch of the air-version of BRAHMOS missile integrated with Su-30MKI will be
carried out by the end of this year.