Long Range Anti-Ship Hypersonic Missile (LR-AShM)

Why in News?

Recently, DRDO showcased the Long Range Anti-Ship Hypersonic Missile (LR-AShM) for the first time at the 77^th Republic Day Parade on Kartavya Path.

• LR-AShM– It is an indigenous hypersonic glide missile, designed to meet the coastal battery requirements of the Indian Navy.
• Developed By – Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
• Role – Long-range anti-ship strike and sea-denial operations.
• Operational Range – ~1,500 km.
• Target – Static and moving naval targets.
• Flight Profile – Ballistic missiles follow a high, arched unpowered path, while quasi-ballistic trajectory missiles fly lower and manoeuvre to evade interception.
• Speed – Its hypersonic speeds start at Mach 10 and maintaining average of Mach 5.
• Propulsion System – Ballistic missiles are boost-powered initially and then travel unpowered.
• It is a two staged solid propulsion rocket motor
  • Stage-1 separation after boost
  • Stage-2 burnout followed by unpowered atmospheric glide
• Characteristics – Aerodynamic features – High aerodynamic efficiency
• Low drag with effective lift and control.
• Stealth – Low-altitude flight
• High manoeuvrability.
• Difficult detection by ground- and ship-based radars.
• Future Variants – Extended-range, up to 3,500 km, versions under development.
• Army, Air Force and ship-launched versions under consideration.
• Status – Induction expected in 2–3 years.

Reference

IE | LR-AShM