Nirbhay: Difference between revisions
→Variants: missile variants, developed using the Technology of Nirbhay, Added |
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* [[Turbofan]] |
* [[Turbofan]] |
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** [[GTRE]] STFE MANIK<ref>{{cite web |title=Engine and Accessories |url=https://www.drdo.gov.in/engine-and-accessories |website=DRDO |publisher=Ministry of Defence |access-date=26 July 2021}}</ref> |
** [[GTRE]] STFE MANIK<ref>{{cite web |title=Engine and Accessories |url=https://www.drdo.gov.in/engine-and-accessories |website=DRDO |publisher=Ministry of Defence |access-date=26 July 2021}}</ref> |
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| variants = ITCM <br/> SLCM <br/> LR-LACM |
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| weight = {{convert|1500|kg}}<ref>{{cite news |last1=Rout |first1=Hemant Kumar |title=3rd-time unlucky Nirbhay to try luck once more |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/2016/may/11/3rd-time-unlucky-Nirbhay-to-try-luck-once-more-902448.html |access-date=22 November 2021 |agency=ENS |publisher=The New Indian Express |date=11 May 2016}}</ref> |
| weight = {{convert|1500|kg}}<ref>{{cite news |last1=Rout |first1=Hemant Kumar |title=3rd-time unlucky Nirbhay to try luck once more |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/2016/may/11/3rd-time-unlucky-Nirbhay-to-try-luck-once-more-902448.html |access-date=22 November 2021 |agency=ENS |publisher=The New Indian Express |date=11 May 2016}}</ref> |
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| wingspan = {{convert|2.7|m|ft|abbr=on}} |
| wingspan = {{convert|2.7|m|ft|abbr=on}} |
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The third test of the missile took place on 16 October 2015.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/subsonic-cruise-missile-nirbhay-to-be-testfired-today/article7768335.ece|title=Subsonic cruise missile Nirbhay to be test-fired today|author=Y. Mallikarjun|work=The Hindu|date=16 October 2015}}</ref> The missile was to be tested for its low flying capability. The missile in flight was supposed to be brought down from 4800 meters to 20 meters gradually and in stages. A [[Su-30MKI]] aircraft videotaped the flight.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.oneindia.com/india/nirbhay-missile-set-for-critical-low-altitude-trial-sukhoi-to-chase-oneindia-special-1898796.html|title=OneIndia Special: Nirbhay missile set for critical low-altitude trial; Sukhoi to chase|first=Dr Anantha Krishnan|last=M|date=October 14, 2015|website=One India}}</ref> A press release by the [[Ministry of Defence (India)|Ministry of Defence]] stated the missile was launched at 11:38 IST and all initial critical operations such as Booster ignition, Booster separation, Wing deployment and engine start were successfully executed and Nirbhay reached the desired Cruise Altitude.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/government-press-release/flight-of-nirbhay-missile-aborted-after-700-seconds-of-launch-115101601233_1.html|title=Flight of Nirbhay Missile Aborted after 700 Seconds of Launch|author=Business Standard|date=16 October 2015|work=business-standard.com}}</ref> Although the take off was successful after repeated disruptions of countdown, the missile crashed into the Bay of Bengal 11 minutes into its flight after covering only 128 km of its 1500 km range.<ref>{{cite web|date=16 October 2015|title=Nirbhay, India's Indigenous Cruise Missile, Fails Test Midway|url=http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/nirbhay-indias-indigenous-cruise-missile-fails-midway-1233086|work=NDTV}}</ref> |
The third test of the missile took place on 16 October 2015.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/subsonic-cruise-missile-nirbhay-to-be-testfired-today/article7768335.ece|title=Subsonic cruise missile Nirbhay to be test-fired today|author=Y. Mallikarjun|work=The Hindu|date=16 October 2015}}</ref> The missile was to be tested for its low flying capability. The missile in flight was supposed to be brought down from 4800 meters to 20 meters gradually and in stages. A [[Su-30MKI]] aircraft videotaped the flight.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.oneindia.com/india/nirbhay-missile-set-for-critical-low-altitude-trial-sukhoi-to-chase-oneindia-special-1898796.html|title=OneIndia Special: Nirbhay missile set for critical low-altitude trial; Sukhoi to chase|first=Dr Anantha Krishnan|last=M|date=October 14, 2015|website=One India}}</ref> A press release by the [[Ministry of Defence (India)|Ministry of Defence]] stated the missile was launched at 11:38 IST and all initial critical operations such as Booster ignition, Booster separation, Wing deployment and engine start were successfully executed and Nirbhay reached the desired Cruise Altitude.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/government-press-release/flight-of-nirbhay-missile-aborted-after-700-seconds-of-launch-115101601233_1.html|title=Flight of Nirbhay Missile Aborted after 700 Seconds of Launch|author=Business Standard|date=16 October 2015|work=business-standard.com}}</ref> Although the take off was successful after repeated disruptions of countdown, the missile crashed into the Bay of Bengal 11 minutes into its flight after covering only 128 km of its 1500 km range.<ref>{{cite web|date=16 October 2015|title=Nirbhay, India's Indigenous Cruise Missile, Fails Test Midway|url=http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/nirbhay-indias-indigenous-cruise-missile-fails-midway-1233086|work=NDTV}}</ref> |
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The fourth test of the missile took place on 21 December 2016 from Launch Complex-III of Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Balasore in Odisha around 11:56 [[Indian Standard Time|IST]].<ref>{{Cite news|date=2016-12-21|title=Long range Subsonic cruise missile Nirbhaya test fired from ITR|language=en-US|newspaper=Daily Excelsior|url=http://www.dailyexcelsior.com/long-range-subsonic-cruise-missile-nirbhaya-test-fired-itr/|access-date=2016-12-21}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://odishasuntimes.com/2016/12/21/nirbhay-missile-test-fired-off-odisha-coast/|title=Nirbhay missile test fired off Odisha coast|last=Biswajeet|date=2016-12-21|website=OdishaSunTimes.com|access-date=2016-12-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161225162400/http://odishasuntimes.com/2016/12/21/nirbhay-missile-test-fired-off-odisha-coast/|archive-date=2016-12-25|url-status=dead}}</ref> There has been no official word on the test outcome, however according to news reports this test was not successful. The booster engine in the first stage started working and lifted the missile off from its launcher. But the missile started veering dangerously towards one side in two minutes after lift-off and veered outside its safety corridor. Due to this, the test was aborted and the missile was remotely destroyed. A potential reason for the failure was described as a hardware problem with one of the missile's component.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/Nirbhay-missile-test-%E2%80%9Can-utter-failure%E2%80%9D/article16915750.ece|title=Nirbhay missile test "an utter failure"|last=Subramanian|first=T.S.|newspaper=The Hindu|access-date=2016-12-21}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/nuclear-capable-nirbhay-cruise-missiles-test-fails-for-the-fourth-time/articleshow/56105444.cms|title=Nuclear-capable Nirbhay cruise missile's test fails for the fourth time - Times of India|newspaper=The Times of India|access-date=2016-12-21}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/nirbhay-failed-due-to-use-of-recycled-material/article19195215.ece|title='Nirbhay failed due to use of recycled material' -The Hindu|last=Bhattcharjee|first=Sumit|newspaper=The Hindu|access-date=2017-07-01}}</ref>[[File:Nirbhay missile launch on 7 November 2017.jpg|thumb|159x159px|Fifth successful trial flight tested on November 07, 2017.|alt=|left]]The fifth successful test of the missile took place on 7 November 2017 from Launch Complex-III of Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Balasore in Odisha around 11:20 IST. The flight test was a success and met all mission objectives. During the test, the missile traveled a distance of 647 km over a 50 minute duration, and was tracked by ground based radars and telemetry stations.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Pandit|first=Rajat|date=8 November 2017|title=Nirbhay Missile: India successfully tests its first nuclear-capable cruise missile|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/india-successfully-tests-its-first-nuclear-capable-cruise-missile/articleshow/61550465.cms|access-date=2021-11-22|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.janes.com/article/75497/india-conducts-successful-flight-test-of-nirbhay-cruise-missile|title=India conducts successful flight test of Nirbhay cruise missile {{!}} Jane's 360|website=www.janes.com|access-date=2017-11-08}}</ref> This trial of the missile used a turbojet engine instead of a turbofan engine<ref>{{cite web|title=India's subsonic cruise missile Nirbhay ready for fifth trial|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/indias-subsonic-cruise-missile-nirbhay-ready-for-fifth-trial/articleshow/61518806.cms|website=Economic Times|access-date=1 February 2018}}</ref>[[File:Nirbhay missile test on 15 April 2019.jpg|thumb|156x156px|Sixth missile trial from Integrated Test Range, Odisha on 15 April 2019.]] |
The fourth test of the missile took place on 21 December 2016 from Launch Complex-III of Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Balasore in Odisha around 11:56 [[Indian Standard Time|IST]].<ref>{{Cite news|date=2016-12-21|title=Long range Subsonic cruise missile Nirbhaya test fired from ITR|language=en-US|newspaper=Daily Excelsior|url=http://www.dailyexcelsior.com/long-range-subsonic-cruise-missile-nirbhaya-test-fired-itr/|access-date=2016-12-21}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://odishasuntimes.com/2016/12/21/nirbhay-missile-test-fired-off-odisha-coast/|title=Nirbhay missile test fired off Odisha coast|last=Biswajeet|date=2016-12-21|website=OdishaSunTimes.com|access-date=2016-12-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161225162400/http://odishasuntimes.com/2016/12/21/nirbhay-missile-test-fired-off-odisha-coast/|archive-date=2016-12-25|url-status=dead}}</ref> There has been no official word on the test outcome, however according to news reports this test was not successful. The booster engine in the first stage started working and lifted the missile off from its launcher. But the missile started veering dangerously towards one side in two minutes after lift-off and veered outside its safety corridor. Due to this, the test was aborted and the missile was remotely destroyed. A potential reason for the failure was described as a hardware problem with one of the missile's component.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/Nirbhay-missile-test-%E2%80%9Can-utter-failure%E2%80%9D/article16915750.ece|title=Nirbhay missile test "an utter failure"|last=Subramanian|first=T.S.|newspaper=The Hindu|access-date=2016-12-21}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/nuclear-capable-nirbhay-cruise-missiles-test-fails-for-the-fourth-time/articleshow/56105444.cms|title=Nuclear-capable Nirbhay cruise missile's test fails for the fourth time - Times of India|newspaper=The Times of India|access-date=2016-12-21}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/nirbhay-failed-due-to-use-of-recycled-material/article19195215.ece|title='Nirbhay failed due to use of recycled material' -The Hindu|last=Bhattcharjee|first=Sumit|newspaper=The Hindu|access-date=2017-07-01}}</ref>[[File:Nirbhay missile launch on 7 November 2017.jpg|thumb|159x159px|Fifth successful trial flight tested on November 07, 2017.|alt=|left]]The fifth successful test of the missile took place on 7 November 2017 from Launch Complex-III of Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Balasore in Odisha around 11:20 IST. The flight test was a success and met all mission objectives. During the test, the missile traveled a distance of 647 km over a 50 minute duration, and was tracked by ground based radars and telemetry stations.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Pandit|first=Rajat|date=8 November 2017|title=Nirbhay Missile: India successfully tests its first nuclear-capable cruise missile|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/india-successfully-tests-its-first-nuclear-capable-cruise-missile/articleshow/61550465.cms|access-date=2021-11-22|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.janes.com/article/75497/india-conducts-successful-flight-test-of-nirbhay-cruise-missile|title=India conducts successful flight test of Nirbhay cruise missile {{!}} Jane's 360|website=www.janes.com|access-date=2017-11-08}}</ref> This trial of the missile used a turbojet engine instead of a turbofan engine<ref>{{cite web|title=India's subsonic cruise missile Nirbhay ready for fifth trial|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/indias-subsonic-cruise-missile-nirbhay-ready-for-fifth-trial/articleshow/61518806.cms|website=Economic Times|access-date=1 February 2018}}</ref>[[File:Nirbhay missile test on 15 April 2019.jpg|thumb|156x156px|Sixth missile trial from Integrated Test Range, Odisha on 15 April 2019.]] |
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==== Futures ==== |
==== Futures ==== |
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DRDO announced the completion of Nirbhay cruise missile development project on 6 February 2023, and also unveiled a number of new cruise and anti-ship missiles that are being developed in light of the lessons learned from Nirbhay.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dahlgren |first=Masao |date=2020-02-07 |title=India Reveals New Cruise, Antiship Missiles |url=https://missilethreat.csis.org/india-reveals-new-cruise-antiship-missiles/ |access-date=2023-12-24 |website=Missile Threat - Center for Strategic and International Studies Missile Defence Project |language=en-US}}</ref> <ref name="HT101681711263371">{{cite web |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/nuke-triad-proven-india-to-build-conventional-missile-deterrent-101681711263371.html |title=Nuke triad proven, India to build conventional missile deterrent |author=Shishir Gupta |date=17 April 2023 |website=www.hindustantimes.com |access-date=21 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230419114957/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/nuke-triad-proven-india-to-build-conventional-missile-deterrent-101681711263371.html |archive-date=19 April 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> |
DRDO announced the completion of Nirbhay cruise missile development project on 6 February 2023, and also unveiled a number of new cruise and anti-ship missiles that are being developed in light of the lessons learned from Nirbhay.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Dahlgren |first=Masao |date=2020-02-07 |title=India Reveals New Cruise, Antiship Missiles |url=https://missilethreat.csis.org/india-reveals-new-cruise-antiship-missiles/ |access-date=2023-12-24 |website=Missile Threat - Center for Strategic and International Studies Missile Defence Project |language=en-US}}</ref> <ref name="HT101681711263371">{{cite web |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/nuke-triad-proven-india-to-build-conventional-missile-deterrent-101681711263371.html |title=Nuke triad proven, India to build conventional missile deterrent |author=Shishir Gupta |date=17 April 2023 |website=www.hindustantimes.com |access-date=21 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230419114957/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/nuke-triad-proven-india-to-build-conventional-missile-deterrent-101681711263371.html |archive-date=19 April 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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==Variants== |
==Variants== |
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=== Base variant === |
=== Base variant === |
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The standard Nirbhay subsonic cruise missile is powered by a Russian NPO Saturn 36MT engine. |
The standard Nirbhay subsonic cruise missile is powered by a Russian NPO Saturn 36MT engine. |
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=== Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile (ITCM) === |
=== Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile (ITCM) === |
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Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile (ITCM) is based on Nirbhay missile but uses locally developed [[Gas Turbine Research Establishment#Manik Engine/Small Turbo Fan Engine (STFE)|Small Turbo Fan Engine]] (STFE), also known as Manik Engine from [[Gas Turbine Research Establishment]]. |
The Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile (ITCM) is based on Nirbhay missile but uses locally developed [[Gas Turbine Research Establishment#Manik Engine/Small Turbo Fan Engine (STFE)|Small Turbo Fan Engine]] (STFE), also known as Manik Engine from [[Gas Turbine Research Establishment]]. The ITCM is a technology demonstrator programme to validate the capability of STFE, upgraded radio frequency (RF) seekers, and other subsystems. The main objective of this programme to achieve 100% indigenous contents in the cruise missile<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cruise control: India accelerates development of tactical missiles |url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/cruise-control-india-accelerates-development-of-tactical-missiles |access-date=2024-01-05 |website=Janes.com |language=en}}</ref> |
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==== Trials ==== |
==== Trials ==== |
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On 21 February 2023, ITCM was test fired successfully. Fitted with an upgraded radio frequency seeker and Manik engine.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cruise control: India accelerates development of tactical missiles |url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/cruise-control-india-accelerates-development-of-tactical-missiles |access-date=2023-07-15 |website=Janes.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Odisha: स्वदेशी तकनीक से बनी ITCM मिसाइल का सफल परीक्षण, भारत को मिसाइल क्षेत्र में बनाएगा आत्मनिर्भर |url=https://www.jagran.com/odisha/bhubaneshwar-odisha-news-successful-test-of-itcm-missile-made-of-indigenous-technology-23336757.html |access-date=2023-02-21 |website=Dainik Jagran |language=hi}}</ref> |
On 21 February 2023, ITCM was test fired successfully. Fitted with an upgraded radio frequency seeker and Manik engine.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cruise control: India accelerates development of tactical missiles |url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/cruise-control-india-accelerates-development-of-tactical-missiles |access-date=2023-07-15 |website=Janes.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Odisha: स्वदेशी तकनीक से बनी ITCM मिसाइल का सफल परीक्षण, भारत को मिसाइल क्षेत्र में बनाएगा आत्मनिर्भर |url=https://www.jagran.com/odisha/bhubaneshwar-odisha-news-successful-test-of-itcm-missile-made-of-indigenous-technology-23336757.html |access-date=2023-02-21 |website=Dainik Jagran |language=hi}}</ref> |
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=== '''Submarine Launched Cruise Missile (SLCM)''' === |
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The Submarine Launched Cruise Missile (SLCM) is a missile designed to launch from torpedo tubes of submarines. It is a compact version of Nirbhay missile. It has a stated range of 500 km, with a cruise length of 5.6 meter, diameter of 0.505 meter, all up weight of 975 kg and Mach 0.7 speed. It would feature INS/GPS navigation, with an RF seeker for terminal guidance. It comes with two variants: a ''Land attack cruise missile (LACM)'' and ''Anti-Ship Cruise Missile (ASCM)''.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Menon |first=Adithya Krishna |date=2023-12-14 |title=India Focuses on Long Range Naval Missiles Development |url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2023/12/india-focuses-on-long-range-naval-missiles-development/ |access-date=2024-01-05 |website=Naval News |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":2" /> |
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The maiden successful trail of SLCM was conducted by DRDO in February 2023, which met all the mission objectives with a range of 402 km.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=DRDO In Feb 2023 Had Secretly Tested Indigenous SLCM Capable of Striking 500 Kilometres Away |url=https://www.indiandefensenews.in/2023/11/drdo-in-feb-2023-had-secretly-tested.html |access-date=2024-01-05}}</ref> |
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=== Long Range-Land Attack Cruise Missile (LR-LACM) === |
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The LR-LACM, a longer range variant, will have a range up to 1,500 km. This missile would be operated by both the Indian Navy and Indian Air Force when development is complete. This missile would be compatible with the Universal Vertical Launch Module (UVLM) cells used for BrahMos.<ref>{{Cite web |title=DefExpo: Indian Navy to get new cruise missile for land-attack missions |url=https://www.theweek.in/news/india/2020/02/06/defexpo-indian-navy-to-get-new-cruise-missile-for-land-attack-missions.html |access-date=2024-01-05 |website=The Week |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":3" /> |
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== Induction == |
== Induction == |
Revision as of 19:45, 5 January 2024
Nirbhay | |
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![]() Nirbhay cruise missile launched on 15 April 2019 | |
Type | Long-range, all-weather, subsonic cruise missile[1][2] Surface-to-surface missile |
Place of origin | India |
Service history | |
In service | Limited deployment |
Used by | Strategic Forces Command |
Production history | |
Designer | Aeronautical Development Establishment (DRDO) |
Manufacturer | Bharat Dynamics Limited |
Variants | ITCM SLCM LR-LACM |
Specifications | |
Mass | 1,500 kilograms (3,300 lb)[3] |
Length | 6 m (20 ft) |
Diameter | 0.52 m (1.7 ft) |
Wingspan | 2.7 m (8.9 ft) |
Warhead | Conventional (PCB, blast fragmentation)[4][5] or Nuclear |
Warhead weight | 200-300 kg |
Engine | First stage: Solid rocket booster Second stage: |
Propellant | First stage: Solid fuel Second stage: Liquid fuel |
Operational range | up to 1,500 km (930 mi)[8] |
Flight altitude | 50 m (160 ft) to 4 km (13,000 ft)[9] |
Maximum speed | 0.9 Mach[10][11] |
Guidance system | Mid-course: Ring laser gyro inertial navigation system and MEMS gyroscope. Augmented by GPS/NavIC satellite guidance Terminal: Active radar homing, electro-optical, imaging infrared[12][4] |
Launch platform | Land-based mobile launcher |
Transport | Tata LPTA 5252-12 X12 High Mobility Vehicle |
Nirbhay (lit. 'Fearless') is a long range, all-weather, subsonic Cruise Missile designed and developed in India by the Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) which is under Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).[13][14] The missile can be Launched from Multiple Platforms and is capable of carrying conventional and nuclear warheads. It is currently deployed in limited numbers in Line of Actual Control (LAC) during standoff with China.[15]
Design
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/83/Nirbhay_missiles_during_Republic_Day_Parade_2018.jpg/180px-Nirbhay_missiles_during_Republic_Day_Parade_2018.jpg)
Nirbhay is powered by a solid rocket booster for take off which is developed by Advanced Systems Laboratory (ASL). Upon reaching the required velocity and height, a turbofan engine in the missile takes over for further propulsion. The missile is guided by an inertial navigation system developed by Research Centre Imarat (RCI) and a radio altimeter for the height determination.[16][17] The missile has a ring laser gyroscope (RLG) based guidance, control and navigation system. It also has a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) based inertial navigation system (INS) along with the GPS/NavIC system.[18] The missile has a length of 6 metres, width of 0.52 metres, a wing span of 2.7 metres and weighs about 1500 kg. It has a range of about 1500 km and is capable of delivering 24 different types of warheads depending on mission requirements between 200 and 300 kg.[10][19][20]
The missile is claimed to have sea-skimming and loitering capability, i.e., it can go round a target and perform several manoeuvres and then re-engage it. It is also able to pick out a target and attack it among multiple targets.[21] With two side wings, the missile is capable of flying at different altitudes ranging from 50 m to 4 km above the ground and can also fly at low altitudes (like low tree level) to avoid detection by enemy radar.[22][23] It will eventually supplement the role played by BrahMos missile for the Indian Armed Forces by delivering warheads farther than the 450 km range.[24]
Development and trials
After the design was finalized, the technology required for the missile was developed. It was integrated by Research and Development Establishment (Engineers), a specialized arm of DRDO.[23] Tata Motors has built the vehicle that is the carrier/launcher for the Nirbhay system and is based on a "high mobility, all-terrain and all-wheel drive Tata LPTA 5252-12 X 12 vehicle", developed in partnership with DRDO.[25]
The first test flight of the missile was planned in October 2012,[26][27] but the launch was postponed to December owing to the changes being made to the launcher. V. K. Saraswat, Director General & Scientific Adviser of DRDO, later said that the missile would be tested in February 2013. He said the delay was due to development of some processes. DRDO expected the missile to be ready for induction within 12 to 18 months after the February test.[22][28][29] There were unconfirmed media reports that the missile would be scrapped due to multiple test failures but it was then reported that the project has been given an 18-month extension, till June 2018, to fix all outstanding issues.[30][31] Nirbhay cruise missile has a single shot kill ratio of above 90 percent.[32]
Trials
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e8/Nirbhay_cruise_missile.jpg/131px-Nirbhay_cruise_missile.jpg)
The surface version of Nirbhay missile was test fired for the first time on 12 March 2013 from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur in Balasore district of Odisha. The missile in its maiden flight was supposed to hit a static target situated 1500 km away in the Bay of Bengal. Missile took off from the launch pad successfully and reached the second stage of propulsion, traveling 15 minutes through its envisaged path at a speed of 0.7 mach. After that it veered away from its trajectory forcing the command center to detach the engine from the missile midway into the flight. This was done to avoid the risk of the missile hitting the coastal areas. The missile was purposely destroyed in mid-flight.[33] The test was a partial success as the missile took off, reached the second stage of propulsion, and traveled 30% of its range and completed most of the mission objectives, before deviating from its path. DRDO has detected the problem which was a faulty inertial navigation system and corrected the same in subsequent tests.
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6f/Nirbhay_missile_test_on_17_October_2014.jpg/101px-Nirbhay_missile_test_on_17_October_2014.jpg)
A second launch of the Nirbhay missile was scheduled for February–May 2014[34] but it was further delayed until October 2014. Slight delay in October was also due to cyclone Hudhud. On 17 October 2014, the surface version of the missile was tested once again from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur in Balasore district of Odisha, and this time the test was successful. The missile test met all the parameters & completed all 15 way-points. The missile traveled for more than 1500 km that lasted for a duration of over 1 hour and 10 minutes. The missile was tracked with the help of ground-based radars and its health parameters were monitored by telemetry stations from DRDO's ITR and LRDE (Electronics & Radar Development Establishment).[35] An Indian Air Force SEPECAT Jaguar chased the missile during its flight to capture the video of the flight.
The third test of the missile took place on 16 October 2015.[36] The missile was to be tested for its low flying capability. The missile in flight was supposed to be brought down from 4800 meters to 20 meters gradually and in stages. A Su-30MKI aircraft videotaped the flight.[37] A press release by the Ministry of Defence stated the missile was launched at 11:38 IST and all initial critical operations such as Booster ignition, Booster separation, Wing deployment and engine start were successfully executed and Nirbhay reached the desired Cruise Altitude.[38] Although the take off was successful after repeated disruptions of countdown, the missile crashed into the Bay of Bengal 11 minutes into its flight after covering only 128 km of its 1500 km range.[39]
The fourth test of the missile took place on 21 December 2016 from Launch Complex-III of Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Balasore in Odisha around 11:56 IST.[40][41] There has been no official word on the test outcome, however according to news reports this test was not successful. The booster engine in the first stage started working and lifted the missile off from its launcher. But the missile started veering dangerously towards one side in two minutes after lift-off and veered outside its safety corridor. Due to this, the test was aborted and the missile was remotely destroyed. A potential reason for the failure was described as a hardware problem with one of the missile's component.[42][43][44]
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/03/Nirbhay_missile_launch_on_7_November_2017.jpg/130px-Nirbhay_missile_launch_on_7_November_2017.jpg)
The fifth successful test of the missile took place on 7 November 2017 from Launch Complex-III of Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Balasore in Odisha around 11:20 IST. The flight test was a success and met all mission objectives. During the test, the missile traveled a distance of 647 km over a 50 minute duration, and was tracked by ground based radars and telemetry stations.[45][46] This trial of the missile used a turbojet engine instead of a turbofan engine[47]
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/ad/Nirbhay_missile_test_on_15_April_2019.jpg/104px-Nirbhay_missile_test_on_15_April_2019.jpg)
The sixth successful trial took place on April 15, 2019. Traversing around 650 km, the test missile navigated way-points located at altitudes varying from 5 meters to 2.5 km. DRDO clarified that all mission objectives were met.[48] The test also validated the terrain hugging and the sea skimming capability of the missile.[49]
This trial completed the developmental trials of the missile. The next set of trials will be conducted as per the requirements of the Indian Armed Forces.[50]
Nirbhay project is now technically closed after completing six developmental trials. The next phase of tests will happen from April 2020 under a new name called Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile (ITCM). It will include Small Turbo Fan Engine (STFE) developed by Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) and a radio-frequency (RF) seeker from Research Centre Imarat (RCI). A separate air-launched variant and submarine-launched variant is under active development.[51]
Futures
DRDO announced the completion of Nirbhay cruise missile development project on 6 February 2023, and also unveiled a number of new cruise and anti-ship missiles that are being developed in light of the lessons learned from Nirbhay.[9] [52]
Variants
Base variant
The standard Nirbhay subsonic cruise missile is powered by a Russian NPO Saturn 36MT engine.
Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile (ITCM)
The Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile (ITCM) is based on Nirbhay missile but uses locally developed Small Turbo Fan Engine (STFE), also known as Manik Engine from Gas Turbine Research Establishment. The ITCM is a technology demonstrator programme to validate the capability of STFE, upgraded radio frequency (RF) seekers, and other subsystems. The main objective of this programme to achieve 100% indigenous contents in the cruise missile[53]
Trials
On 12 October 2020, the missile was test fired for the first time with indigenously developed GTRE STFE MANIK turbofan engine. The test was aborted after 8 minutes of launch.[54] As per DRDO, the missile deviated from predetermined flight path and was destroyed mid-air by mission control team.[55][56]
On 24 June 2021, Nirbhay was successfully test-fired from Launch Pad No. 3 of the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur.[57][58] The successful test was conducted with the GTRE Manik engine paving the way for a full range test.[59]
On 11 August 2021, ITCM was test fired from Integrated Test Range (ITR). But it was a partial success. As per DRDO officials, MANIK engine performed well but the missile failed to achieve the desired range due to failure in control mechanism.[60][56]
On 28 October 2022, ITCM test fired from ITR failed due to a snag in the engine after separation of booster stage. This test included an upgraded radio frequency seeker.[56]
On 21 February 2023, ITCM was test fired successfully. Fitted with an upgraded radio frequency seeker and Manik engine.[61][62]
Submarine Launched Cruise Missile (SLCM)
The Submarine Launched Cruise Missile (SLCM) is a missile designed to launch from torpedo tubes of submarines. It is a compact version of Nirbhay missile. It has a stated range of 500 km, with a cruise length of 5.6 meter, diameter of 0.505 meter, all up weight of 975 kg and Mach 0.7 speed. It would feature INS/GPS navigation, with an RF seeker for terminal guidance. It comes with two variants: a Land attack cruise missile (LACM) and Anti-Ship Cruise Missile (ASCM).[63][9]
The maiden successful trail of SLCM was conducted by DRDO in February 2023, which met all the mission objectives with a range of 402 km.[63][64]
Long Range-Land Attack Cruise Missile (LR-LACM)
The LR-LACM, a longer range variant, will have a range up to 1,500 km. This missile would be operated by both the Indian Navy and Indian Air Force when development is complete. This missile would be compatible with the Universal Vertical Launch Module (UVLM) cells used for BrahMos.[65][63]
Induction
Ministry of Defence (MoD) is considering a proposal from one of the service for the induction of Nirbhay and is at an advance stage of discussion. Once cleared, all the three services of Indian Armed Forces will have Nirbhay in their arsenal. Government already cleared the induction of Nirbhay in two services about two years ago.[66] Nirbhay, Pralay, Brahmos and Pinaka will become part of the Integrated Rocket Force (IRF), a separate entity from Strategic Forces Command (SFC).[67][68]
See also
- Kh-55 - Russia
- 3M14 -Russia
- BGM-109 Tomahawk - United States
- Hyunmoo-3 - South Korea
- CJ-10 - China
- HN-1/2/3 - China
- Qader - Iran
- Atmaca - Turkey
- SOM - Turkey
- Noor ASCM - Iran
- Zafar - Iran
- Babur - Pakistan
- YJ-83 - China
- YJ-62 - China
- Otomat - Italy
- MdCN - UK, France, Italy
- List of missiles by country
- India and weapons of mass destruction
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External links
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/4a/Commons-logo.svg/30px-Commons-logo.svg.png)
- CSIS Missile Threat - Nirbhay
- Nirbhay integration into Su-30MKI
- Liquid fuel Ramjet technology
- India to launch sub-sonic missile next month
Technical: