Maiden Flight Trial of Long-Range Hypersonic Missile
Why focus: Domestic high-tech defence test—GS3 Defence, sets up numeric traps (range >1500km) and payload capabilities for How-Many-Correct.
In News
What Happened
Why It Matters
Background
History & Context
What Changed
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Speed and Propulsion: BEFORE, India's most advanced operational cruise missile was the supersonic BrahMos (Mach 2.8) using ramjet technology. NOW, India has successfully tested hypersonic (>Mach 5) missiles that rely on advanced air-breathing scramjet technology.
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Maneuverability vs Predictability: BEFORE, long-range strike options largely depended on ballistic missiles with predictable parabolic trajectories. NOW, hypersonic missiles combine the extreme speed of ballistic missiles with the unpredictable mid-flight maneuverability of cruise missiles.
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Global Defense Standing: BEFORE, India was incrementally testing scramjet demonstrator components while global superpowers dominated the hypersonic space. NOW, India has successfully tested a fully integrated long-range hypersonic weapon, officially joining the elite tier of military innovators.
Prelims Angle
NCERT Connection
Practice Questions
Q1
Correct Statement(s)Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding India's hypersonic missile technology? 1. Hypersonic cruise missiles are typically powered by scramjet engines, which maintain supersonic airflow through the combustion chamber. 2. Unlike traditional ballistic missiles, hypersonic missiles do not follow a predictable parabolic trajectory.