Long Range Hypersonic Missile 

Recently, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted a successful flight test of a long range hypersonic missile.

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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.