Prelims – General Science.
Mains (GS III) – Science and Technology Developments.
Why in News?
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully conducted the release trials of the long-range glide bomb "Gaurav" from the Sukhoi aircraft.
- Gaurav is a long-range glide bomb designed for precision strikes on land targets from a safe distance, specifically beyond the reach of enemy air defenses.
- Developed by – DRDO in partnership with the Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), Research Centre Imarat, and the Integrated Test Range.
- Features - Range - Capable of operating between 30 km and 150 km, with successful demonstrations nearing 100 km.
- Weight - The winged variant, Gaurav, has a mass of 1,000 kg, while the non-winged version, Gautham, weighs 550 kg.
- Navigation - It employs an Inertial Navigation System (INS) complemented by satellite guidance and digital control mechanisms.
- Importance for India’s Defence
- This system significantly boosts the Indian Air Force's (IAF) ability to conduct stand-off strikes.
- It minimizes the exposure of fighter aircraft to enemy air defenses, thereby enhancing operational safety.
- Furthermore, it reinforces India's capabilities in developing indigenous smart munitions and supports precision targeting, which is crucial in contemporary warfare.
Reference
The Hindu | Glide Bomb ‘Gaurav’
