Work on BrahMos supersonic missile over
Moscow: BrahMos Aerospace, an Indo-Russian joint venture, has completed the work on aerial and underwater versions of a supersonic cruise missile, but the test-fire of the two variants is held up for the time being in the absence of platforms for trials.
The test-fire of underwater version of the missile will take place early next year while the trial of air-borne variant is likely to be held in 2012, BrahMos Aerospace said.
Alexander Leonov, Director General of NPO Mashinostroyenia which is the Russian partner of the joint venture, said work on both aerial and submarine versions of the missile has been completed and they are ready for trial.
He said BrahMos scientists are now waiting for the Su-30MKI aircraft to be provided by Indian Air Force to act as a platform for testing the aerial version while a specially designed submerged vehicle will be used for trial of the submarine version.
In the absence of a specially designed submarine to conduct the test, a submerged platform will be used for carrying out the trial of underwater version of the missile.
Marketing Director of Brahmos Praveen Pathak said IAF has already identified two Sukhoi 30 fighter jets for testing the aerial version, which is set to take place in 2012. He said induction of the missile into the IAF is likely to begin in 2013
"As per our estimate, we will be able to complete by end of 2012 all the development trials of airbrone version and induction should start by 2013," Pathak told PTI.
Leonov said Indian Navy only wants to integrate the missile on Indian manufactured submarines, which is why test has to be carried out from a specially designed submerged vehicle.
"As far as I know the submarines where the missiles are likely to be integrated will be manufactured in India. The missile is ready for installations," he said.
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