BrahMos cruise missile test-fired

Ray · 04-22-2007, 16:37 PM

Quote:

BrahMos cruise missile test-fired

[22 Apr, 2007 l 1200 hrs ISTlPTI]

BALASORE: The BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, jointly developed by India and Russia, was test fired from the Interim Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur near Balasore on Sunday.

After a vertical launch from pad number three of ITR, located 15 km from Balasore, the surface-to-surface missile disappeared into the sky, leaving behind a trail of thick white smoke, defence sources said.

The test was conducted from a mobile launcher - an indigenously built Tatra truck.

The launch was successful and an evaluation of the mission would be made after analysing data, the sources said.

After the sophisticated missile blasted off from the launcher, its trajectory was tracked by ground instruments and radars for detailed analysis.

BrahMos is being developed under an Indo-Russian joint venture programme following an agreement signed by the two countries on February 12 1998.

The missile has undergone 13 successful launches prior to Sunday's test. It was first tested on June 12, 2001 from the ITR and the last trial was conducted on February 4 at the same range.

The BrahMos has a strike range of 290 km with a speed nearly three times that of sound. It can travel at Mach 2.823 and carry a conventional warhead weighing 200 kg to 300 kg.

The two-stage missile is powered with a solid propellant booster and a liquid propellant ramjet system. The eight-metre sleek missile weighing three tonnes is configured so that it can be launched from the ground, ships and aircraft.

The name BrahMos is derived from the two great rivers of India and Russia - the Brahmaputra and Moskva. It is jointly produced by India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Russia's NPO Mashinostroyenia under the project name PJ-10.

An industrial complex had been set up in Hyderabad for testing and integration of various sub-systems of BrahMos.

Top missile scientist Sivathanu Pillai, who is also CEO and managing director of BrahMos Aerospace Private Ltd, had recently said that India was preparing to launch the submarine version of the missile by the year-end and that defence scientists were working on a project to equip the multi-role Sukhoi-30 combat jets with the BrahMos.

BrahMos cruise missile test-fired -India-The Times of India

The addition of this Cruise Missile to the Indian armoury will enhance the military clout and increase operational flexibility. The warhead and its potential will be of material concern for planning.

The submarine version, if successful, will be a real force multiplier and great boost to the defence preparedness when viewed in the backdrop of evolving threat perceptions.

However, cruise missiles are no longer a novelty. Pakistan has developed the Babur Cruise missiles too!

cirrrocco · 04-23-2007, 00:45 AM

Wonder what prevents india from transferring nuke tech to taiwan. chinese have transferred a whole lot of nuke tech to pakistan and not a word..

**Officer of Engineers** · 04-23-2007, 00:48 AM

Indian law forbids the transfer of nuclear technology.

Blademaster · 04-23-2007, 11:50 AM

And besides, Indian leaders don't think it is a good idea to transfer technology to a country that may return back to China. Even that country may not, it is still riddled with Chinese spies that any technology transfer would compromised national secrets. Why do you think that US refused to sell Arleigh Burke Aegis ships? It surely wasn't because Taiwan could not afford them. The Tawainese could afford them but would not be able to keep the technology out of Chinese hands. Hence the Knox class ships to Tawain. It is older technology but still capable. The transfer would not compromise US national secrets.

Grim · 04-23-2007, 15:30 PM

Congrats India, sounds like you got the makings of a real fine bottle rocket. Real nice speed to range.

It should make a real serious weapon for your Navy.

cirrrocco · 04-23-2007, 15:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grim

Congrats India, sounds like you got the makings of a real fine bottle rocket. Real nice speed to range.

It should make a real serious weapon for your Navy.

grim, the naval version has already been inducted, this is the land version. thats why the hullabaloo.

Archer · 04-23-2007, 15:45 PM

This is interesting.

From the latest India-Today, by S. Unnithan.

Quote:

The Secret New Missile

Revelations indicate that India is quietly building an SLCM to complete its nuclear triad

India’s strategists have for long regarded nuclear-tipped Submarine-Launched Cruise Missiles (SLCMs)—essentially, it requires arming a submarine prowling undetected under the ocean—as the survivable platform most suited to the nation’s second-strike doctrine. Recent revelations about a secret cruise missile programme, aptly titled Sagarika (Oceanic), give the first indications of the elusive third sea-based leg becoming a reality.

Hours after the Agni 3 splashed into the Indian Ocean on April 12, an elated M. Natarajan had obliquely hinted at the possibility. “We have had three successful tests in the last few days—the Dhanush (a ship-launched version of the Prithvi ballistic missile test fired on March 30), the Agni 3 and, in between, a strategic system I cannot talk about,” the DRDO chief had said. That, say insiders, was the confirmation of a test of the Sagarika from a submersible pontoon launcher. Indigenously-built, with a range of nearly 1,000 km and a 500-kg warhead, the cruise missile has two variants capable of being launched from aircraft and submarines. Still under development, the vertically-launched missile is at least five years away from induction. One of the key challenges in fielding a nuclear-tipped variant of the Sagarika would be to miniaturise a nuclear warhead to fit the around 6-metre-long missile.

Cruise missiles are low-flying, intelligent, pilotless aircraft. Powered by turbo-jet engines, and guided by onboard computer and pre-fed terrain maps, like the US Tomahawk, they can hit targets with pinpoint accuracy. Such missiles can be fitted with a tactical nuclear warhead or a conventional payload. Fitted on nuclear submarines capable of traversing the globe, they become lethal force multipliers. While Sagarika is the primary armament for the long-delayed indigenous nuclear submarine, the Advanced Technology Vessel, the IAF is believed to be considering equipping a medium transport aircraft with the stand-off missile in the interim.

Cruise missiles are more difficult to detect and, hence, less vulnerable to anti-missile defences which can track and destroy ballistic missiles. Pakistan’s Babur cruise missile, that can carry a 500-kg warhead across 500 km, is seen as a response to India’s proposed missile shield. “Strategic cruise missiles with their high survivability will add to the flexibility of India’s minimum credible deterrent,” says K. Santhanam, coordinator for the Pokhran-II tests.

Yet, what is it about the Sagarika that inspires the cloak of secrecy? Senior DRDO scientists wax eloquent about the Agni 3 but maintain a studied silence about the Sagarika.

Two years ago, then defence minister Pranab Mukherjee had confirmed the programme: “This is a DRDO project but we would not like to make a premature advertisement.” Later, in Parliament, he denied the project even existed. One reason for the secrecy is the possible adverse impact on the Indo-US nuclear deal. “The secrecy is understandable. It would be unwise to talk of fielding a new strategic capability when we are developing partnerships with the US,” says Air Marshal (retired) Kapil Kak of the Centre for Strategic Studies.

Started in the early 1990s as a 350-km, short-ranged submarine-launched ballistic missile, Sagarika was initially designed as a solid-fuelled version of the Prithvi. But the idea was shelved after the navy indicated its preference for a cruise missile. Sagarika will not be the only strategic cruise missile. The Indo-Russian BrahMos Aerospace plans to field Brahmos 2 by 2010: a hypersonic cruise missile that can cover more than 1,000 km at Mach 8, or nearly eight times the speed of sound.

n21 · 04-23-2007, 16:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Officer of Engineers

Indian law forbids the transfer of nuclear technology.

Sir,
I always wondered about this aspect of Indian policy towards China.
There might be a law,but then "some laws" can be broken when it comes to making life harder for a nation who has nuke armed your long time opponent.

Could it be due to some mutual understanding between India and China over the level or "arming" each other's opponent?
Or could it be that the level of nuke weapon tech with India was not so mature enough to proliferate?

I doubt that India would be so "sweet" to follow laws in geo-political scenarios involving nukes.

Grim · 04-23-2007, 20:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cirrrocco

grim, the naval version has already been inducted, this is the land version. thats why the hullabaloo.

Thankyou Sir. Aside from the obvious, I am ignorant to much of this weapon's land use implication. Within reason, I am curious to learn more. This dose seems to be a very versatile weapon design. I do understand the ability of this type of weapon when the launch platform is either aerial or marine. These weapons have a lot of unreported potential.

Archer · 04-23-2007, 22:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by n21

Sir,
I always wondered about this aspect of Indian policy towards China.
There might be a law,but then "some laws" can be broken when it comes to making life harder for a nation who has nuke armed your long time opponent.

Could it be due to some mutual understanding between India and China over the level or "arming" each other's opponent?
Or could it be that the level of nuke weapon tech with India was not so mature enough to proliferate?

I doubt that India would be so "sweet" to follow laws in geo-political scenarios involving nukes.

Its the sum total of Indias decision making (with an un healthy dose of moralpolitik over real politik), its weaknesses internationally (it cant stand to be seen as a proliferator) and its own internal fault lines and security problems (because of which it cant take a hostile anti-PRC line) despite how much the PRC arms Pak (and Indian decision makers grit their teeth about it!).

Archer · 04-23-2007, 22:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grim

Thankyou Sir. Aside from the obvious, I am ignorant to much of this weapon's land use implication. Within reason, I am curious to learn more. This dose seems to be a very versatile weapon design. I do understand the ability of this type of weapon when the launch platform is either aerial or marine. These weapons have a lot of unreported potential.

BRAHMOS - Universal Supersonic Cruise Missile
The land version uses a RF seeker as well.

Ray · 04-23-2007, 22:59 PM

If India has to break the laws on nuclear tech, it would have broken it long ago.

To be a big time player and which I believe is India's quest, one has to also command the confidence of nations. That cannot be so if one cannot look beyond one's nose for short term gains by selling nuclear technology!

I presume that is what guides India and prevents it from breaking the law.

Ray · 04-24-2007, 00:59 AM

Quote:

India commercial rocket takes off

Monday's launch of PSLV rocket
The rocket took off under a clear blue sky

Rocket's blast-off
India's first commercial rocket has been launched into space.

The rocket, a Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), took off from the Sriharikota base in southern India at 1530 Indian time (1000 GMT).

It is carrying a 352kg Italian satellite which will gather information about the origins of the universe, the AFP news agency reports.

India's space programme includes an unmanned mission to the Moon which is due to take place next year.

'Twenty-three minutes'

The BBC's Sanjoy Majumder in Delhi says that scientists at India's space centre broke out into spontaneous applause as the rocket lifted off into a clear blue sky.

He says that India has been working for some time on developing a low-cost launch system which could take on more established players around the world.

Reports say that India is being paid $11m to launch the Italian satellite.

The rocket was due to send the satellite into orbit 23 minutes after takeoff.

The PSLV model rocket was first launched in 1994. It puts satellites into orbits where they cross above the earth's poles.

At present, the PSLV rocket only has the capability of carrying relatively lighter loads of under 1,000 kilograms.

But officials at India's space programme are hoping that can change with time.

BBC NEWS | South Asia | India commercial rocket takes off

India goes commercial.

I hope the money so gained is ploughed back into the space programme and not squandered so that in the near future more robust rockets are engineered that can carry bigger payloads.

The, after all, won the race!

Grim · 04-24-2007, 05:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Archer

BRAHMOS - Universal Supersonic Cruise Missile
The land version uses a RF seeker as well.

Sir, Thankyou for the link. Im about to try to download the pdf, looks good.

Grim · 04-24-2007, 05:44 AM

The downloads were a disappointment to me but such is my reward for being nosey about another countries new weapons system. I like what I saw and found it interesting that the solid booster is smaller for the aerial version. I will have to assume the number of these the SU -30 is able to carry at one time might be some of the reason for this. I am also left curious about the affect of such changes on speed and range. This seems to me to be a very fine hi tech bottle rocket..

04-23-2007, 00:45 AM	#2 (permalink)
cirrrocco Patron Join Date: 04-21-05 Posts: 267 Country:	Wonder what prevents india from transferring nuke tech to taiwan. chinese have transferred a whole lot of nuke tech to pakistan and not a word.. __________________ women make your hard parts soft and your soft parts hard. Sex is like hacking. You get in, you get out, and you hope you didn't leave something behind that can be traced back to you

04-23-2007, 00:48 AM	#3 (permalink)
Officer of Engineers *Military Professional* Moderator Scotch taster Join Date: 08-06-03 Posts: 17,059 Country:	Indian law forbids the transfer of nuclear technology. __________________ Chimo

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04-23-2007, 11:50 AM	#4 (permalink)
Blademaster Military Enthusiast *Senior Contributor* Join Date: 08-15-03 Posts: 3,257	And besides, Indian leaders don't think it is a good idea to transfer technology to a country that may return back to China. Even that country may not, it is still riddled with Chinese spies that any technology transfer would compromised national secrets. Why do you think that US refused to sell Arleigh Burke Aegis ships? It surely wasn't because Taiwan could not afford them. The Tawainese could afford them but would not be able to keep the technology out of Chinese hands. Hence the Knox class ships to Tawain. It is older technology but still capable. The transfer would not compromise US national secrets.

04-23-2007, 15:30 PM	#5 (permalink)
Grim *Military Professional* Join Date: 12-22-06 Location: Oregon Posts: 164 Country:	Congrats India, sounds like you got the makings of a real fine bottle rocket. Real nice speed to range. It should make a real serious weapon for your Navy.

04-23-2007, 22:59 PM	#12 (permalink)
Ray Postmaster General *Military Professional* Join Date: 08-20-03 Posts: 28,240 Country:	If India has to break the laws on nuclear tech, it would have broken it long ago. To be a big time player and which I believe is India's quest, one has to also command the confidence of nations. That cannot be so if one cannot look beyond one's nose for short term gains by selling nuclear technology! I presume that is what guides India and prevents it from breaking the law.

04-24-2007, 05:44 AM	#15 (permalink)
Grim *Military Professional* Join Date: 12-22-06 Location: Oregon Posts: 164 Country:	The downloads were a disappointment to me but such is my reward for being nosey about another countries new weapons system. I like what I saw and found it interesting that the solid booster is smaller for the aerial version. I will have to assume the number of these the SU -30 is able to carry at one time might be some of the reason for this. I am also left curious about the affect of such changes on speed and range. This seems to me to be a very fine hi tech bottle rocket..

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