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The BrahMos cruise missile, considered as the most prominent missile project of the decade, has multimode capabilities to operate from surface ships, mobile vertical launchers and now for air and submarine based platforms.
Multimode capabilities
The BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, in service with the Indian Army and Navy and induction in Indian Air Force starting around 2013, was originally conceived as an advanced anti-ship weapon but owing to its potential and constant developments it is today a highly accurate cruise missile for land as well as sea targets.
Its supersonic speed of around 3 Mach enhances the missile's ability to reach the target within minutes of its launch giving no reaction time to the enemy.
The long operating range of 290 km makes it possible to attack targets from standoff ranges unreachable to the air defense missile systems.
Launch trials
The launch trials conducted in 2010 demonstrated the capability of neutralising small-sized, low radar cross section targets and mountain warfare operations.
The launch of BrahMos Block III version took place on December 2, 2010, from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur in Balasore off the Orissa coast.
In this landmark achievement, BrahMos was test fired, establishing its mountain warfare capability with upgraded software and a new advanced guidance scheme incorporating large scale manoeuvres and steep dive from high altitude with precision strike.
Air Force Version
Work on the BrahMos air force version will be a priority in 2011.
This BrahMos version will be lighter, weighing about 2.5 to with a smaller booster stage and modified nose cap with additional fins for stability during launch.
Su-30MKI multi-role combat aircraft has been chosen as the platform for the air-launched version.
The missile has undergone extensive ground trials successfully and is ready for integration with the aircraft.
Next step
Dr A. Sivathanu Pillai, CEO and MD of BrahMos Aerospace, says that the integration of the missile with the platform is the next step and is under process.
‘The flight trials are planned for 2012,' after all the required modification for fitment are over he adds.
Su-30MKI armed with BrahMos missiles will become one the most formidable weapon system- a combination of the best aircraft with the Worlds only supersonic cruise missile ensuring a lethal strike within and beyond the visibility range.
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