Question: What is the range of new version of BrahMos which was successfully tested from Odisha coast on 11th March, 2017?
(a) 300 Km
(b) 350 Km
(c) 400 Km
(d) 450 Km
Ans: (d)
- On 11th March, 2017, India successfully test-fired its latest 450-km range version of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile from the Odisha coast.
- This is the first test of the missile after its strike range was extended following India’s entry in Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR).
- The extended range BrahMos hit the target with centimetric accuracy.
- The development of the extended range version of BrahMos was announced at the Aero India 2017 by Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) chief S. Christopher.
- BrahMos has been developed as part of a joint venture between India and Russia, and the missile had an initial range of 290 km. India has been able to work on increasing the range of the BrahMos missile from its current 290 km after it became a member of the prestigious Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR).
- Indian Army and Indian Navy have already inducted the 290-km BrahMos and it is likely to clear the final test for Indian Air Force soon.
- In its current form (290-km), the BrahMos has a maximum velocity of 2.8 Mach and cruises at altitudes varying from 10 metres to 15 km.
- The land-attack version of BrahMos is fitted on a mobile launcher.
- BrahMos is also capable of being launched from submarine from a depth of 40-50 metres.