Article Posted on : - Feb 09, 2011

BRAHMOS missile integrated with Su-30 MKI fighter on display. A BNS photo

BANGALORE (BNS): The air launched version of BRAHMOS supersonic cruise missile system integrated with Sukhoi 30 MKI fighter aircraft on display is a major attraction at Aero India 2011.

The air launched version has lesser weight and additional rear fins for aerodynamic stability during separation from the aircraft and launch.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has chosen the Su-30MKI fighter aircraft as the launch platform for the BRAHMOS missile.

Some exclusive modifications are being made in the aircraft to use it as a platform for launching the missile. The test of air-launched version of BRAHMOS is expected to take place in 2012, BrahMos Aerospace Chief A Sivathanu Pillai has said.

BRAHMOS cruise missile can be launched from aircraft, ships, submarine and land.

The cruise missile has flight range of up to 290-km with supersonic speed all through the flight, leading to shorter flight time, consequently ensuring lower dispersion of targets, quicker engagement time and non-interception by any known weapon system in the world.