|
|
| a |
Indo
Marine 2012 - Show Daily News |
| |
|
| |
| |
| Brahmos
Aerospace working on a reduced size "Brahmos Mini" version for
Rafale and Mig-29K |
| |
Brahmos
Aerospace gave Navy Recognition an update on the status of Brahmos Mini
during INDODEFENCE 2012, the Tri-service defence exhibition currently
being held in Jakarta. While the mini version will be significantly
reduced in size, the Indian-Russian joint venture is focusing on retaining
the same speed, range and overall performance as the original, larger
missile.
While the regular Brahmos missile already equips Indian Army and Indian
Navy, the first drop tests from a SU-30MKI will occur in the next 5
to 6 months. Integration work on the platform has already occured for
quite some time now in India with the participation of HAL, Sukhoi and
the Indian MOD. |
|
Brahmos fitted
on a SU-30MKI model at Indo Defence/Indo Marine 2012
|
|
However
Brahmos Aerospace has the feeling that with a smaller missile, it will
be able to be present on many platforms. The company's first focus will
be the integration of the future Brahmos mini on future Indian platforms
such as the Rafale (winner of MMRCA) and Mig-29K of Indian navy.
Early work on Brahmos Mini is aimed at reducing many systems of the
original missile, and the target weight for the "mini" version
is 1.5 tons while retaining the original speed (Mach 2.8) and range
290 Km. First live tests could be conducted in about 2 years while subsystems
trials are currently being conducted. |
|
Brahmos stand
at Indo Defence/Indo Marine 2012 |
|
The
first platform to be integrated with Brahmos Mini will be of Russian
origin, possible the Mig-29K of the Indian Navy. Brahmos Mini will be
capable of withstanding aircraft carrier deck landings as the heavier,
2.5 tons missile already withstands all sorts of stress when launched
from the various existing launchers.
While no talks have occured yet between Brahmos Aerospace and Dassault
Aviation they plan to start contacts once the first missile tests have
occured.
Regarding weapon loads, the Indian-Russian Joint Venture believes that
after the required development and testing, both Mig-29K and Rafale
should be able to carry between 1 and 3 Brahmos Mini.
On a larger scale, Brahmos Aerospace is confident that Brahmos Mini
will open a huge potential market for the company, with specifications
that very few competitors will be able to match.
Finally, regarding its presence at Indo Defence, Brahmos Aerospace told
us that a lot of countries from the area have expressed interest for
its land attack and anti-ship missile.
|
