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Source-This post on India’s first ‘Long-Range Hypersonic Missile‘ is based on the article “DRDO carries out successful flight-trial of India’s first long-range hypersonic missile off the Odisha coast” published in “PIB” on 17th November 2024.
Why in the News?
India successfully tested its first long-range hypersonic missile, marking a significant milestone in defense technology. This achievement places India in a select group of nations with advanced hypersonic weapons.
About India’s first ‘Long-Range Hypersonic Missile’
| Specifications | Details |
| Genesis | 1. It builds upon the DRDO’s Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle (HSTDV) programme which successfully tested a Mach 6 scramjet in 2019 & 2020. 2. This test showcased the scramjet engine technology. In a scramjet engine, air enters at supersonic speeds and exits at hypersonic speeds. |
| Developed by | Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) |
| Features | 1. Range– It has a range of over 1500 kms 2. Speed – Mach 6, Six times the speed of sound. 3. Mid-Flight Maneuverability- Merges the speed of a ballistic missile with the agility like Mid-Flight movements of a cruise missile to bypass defenses. 4. Advanced Tracking – Utilizes advanced multi-domain monitoring systems for precise targeting. 5. Multi-Payload Capability – Capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear warheads. |
| Applications | Uses across the Army, Navy, and Air Force; the naval version (which is in developmental stage) is designed to precisely target and destroy enemy warships at long distances. |
What are Hypersonic Missiles?
1. These missiles can fly at speeds of at least Mach 5 (five times the speed of sound).
2. A key feature of hypersonic missiles is their Mid-Flight maneuverability, unlike ballistic missiles that follow a fixed path.
3. There are two types of hypersonic weapons:
a. Hypersonic Glide Vehicles (HGVs): Launched by a rocket and then glide to the target.
b. Hypersonic Cruise Missiles (HCMs): Powered by air-breathing engines or “scramjets” after locking onto the target.
UPSC Syllabus– Science & Technology
