DRDO’s hypersonic vehicle to have 20-second flight in Dec

Goa, March 29: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) claimed on Tuesday that its ambitious project to develop a hypersonic vehicle would have its critical test in December 2016.

Replying to a specific query from OneIndia, DRDO Chief Dr S Christopher said the 20-22 second test of the Hypersonic Test Demonstration Vehicle (HSTDV) would be crucial for the hypersonic missile programme.

As a run-up to developing the missile, Dr Christopher said that successful trials were conducted at the Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory of DRDO situated in Chandigarh.

DRDO had formed the HSTDV Project Directorate at Dr A P J Abdul Kalam Missile Complex in Hyderabad in 2005.

Here are the highlights of DRDO Chief's press meet.

Exports: DRDO is exploring the idea of exporting some of its products that did not find any takers in India. "We can always find a market for these products even if they are found not in favour of armed forces here due to some reason," says Christopher.

Arjun Mk-II: DRDO says despite the over-weight issues, the tank is best suited for Indian Army. "We have almost done all additional changes on Mk-1 as demanded by the user. We are working on all aspects of the tank so that we could reduce the weight further, including taking a relook at the engine and transmission units," says Christopher.
He said similar to the trials held on Mk1, the Arjun Mk-II will have line-to-line trials with T-90 soon.

Eye-in-the-sky: The first Airborne Early Warning & Control System (AEW&C) being developed by DRDO will be handed over to Indian Air Force this year. The second platform, which has also started flight trials, would join IAF by next year.

Work on Airborne Warning and Control Systems (AWACS), that offers 360-degree coverage of airspace has already begun at the Centre for Air Borne Systems (CABS) in Bengaluru. The Defence Acquisition Council had given the nod last year for home-grown AWACS programme.

Rustom-2: The Aeronautical Development Establishment is all set for the maiden flight of Rustom-2, unmanned aerial vehicle. Rustom-2 needs to be taken to a speed of 50 knots, from the current 32 knots. DRDO says the first flight (sans major systems on board) would take place in April, while the UAV would carry payloads during its flight in June.

OneIndia News