Context:
The Indian armed forces will be inducting the long-range attack cruise missile Nirbhay into their inventory to strike targets at ranges over 1,000 km.
Relevance:
GS III: Science and Technology
Dimensions of the Article:
- Nirbhay Cruise Missile
Nirbhay Cruise Missile:
Basic Information:
- Type: Long-range sub-sonic cruise missile
- Origin: India’s first indigenously-produced cruise missile
- Development: Aeronautical Development Establishment, a lab under DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) in Bengaluru
Capabilities:
- Purpose: Capable of deep penetration into adversary territory for precision strikes on high-value targets
- Range: Can strike land targets up to 1,000 kilometres away
- Propulsion: Uses a solid propellant booster motor initially, followed by a switch to a turbojet engine
- Speed and Altitude: Capable of loitering and cruising at Mach 0.7 (sub-sonic) at altitudes as low as 100 metres
Physical Specifications:
- Dimensions: Measures 6.0 m in length, 0.5 m in body diameter
- Weight: Weighs 1,500-1,600 kg at launch
- Warhead: Can be armed with a 200-300 kilogram warhead, accommodating both conventional and nuclear payloads
Launch Platforms:
- Versatility: Can be launched from multiple platforms
Guidance System:
- Navigation: Guided by INS/GPS (Inertial Navigation System/Global Positioning System)
- Target Acquisition: Equipped with an active-radar terminal seeker for precision targeting.
-Source: The Hindu
