Short Article
20-11-2024 | 18:18 PM
Long Range Hypersonic Missile
Recently, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted a successful flight test of a long range hypersonic missile.
Key Highlights
- It is indigenously developed by the laboratories of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex, along with various other DRDO laboratories and Industry Partners.
- Key Features
- Speed: Greater than Mach 5 (around 6,120 km/h).
- Range: Over 1500kms.
About Hypersonic Missile
- The term “Hypersonic” refers to a speed at least five times the speed of sound or Mach-5, which is about one mile per second.
- Hypersonic missiles are more maneuverable, which allows them to more easily evade air defence systems.
Classification of Hypersonic Missile
- (i) Hypersonic Glide Vehicles (HGV): The HGVs are launched from a rocket before gliding to the intended target.
- (ii) Hypersonic Cruise Missiles: The HCMs are powered by air-breathing high-speed engines or ‘scramjets’ after acquiring their target.
