Nirbhay Missile, Range, Length, Capacity, Production

Nirbhay Missile gets its name from fearless. It is an extensive range, every climate, subsonic voyage rocket planned and established in country India by ADE which stands for Aerospace Development Establishment that is controlled by Defense Research and Development Organisation. The missile has been designed as such that it is capable of carrying conservative and nuclear missiles and can even flung several podiums. Nirbhay Missile happens to be the first indigenously produced cruise missile produced in India.

Also Read: Missiles of India

Nirbhay Missile Overview

Nirbhay is currently deployed in limited numbers along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), amidst ongoing tensions with China.Nirbhay is India’s first indigenously developed cruise missile. Visually, it resembles the Russian Club SS-N-27 and the American Tomahawk missile, featuring a cylindrical fuselage.Presently, it is launched from a land-based mobile platform, though reports indicate future deployment from submarines is under consideration.

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Development and Testing Timeline

• The missile’s maiden trial in 2013 had to be aborted after it veered off course.
• A second trial in 2014 showed partial success, achieving a range of approximately 1,000 km.
• The 2015 test was terminated due to a failure in the guidance system.
• In December 2016, another test failed when the missile dangerously deviated from its path within 120 seconds of launch, as confirmed by DRDO officials.
• Nirbhay continues to undergo refinements and is equipped with a land-based mobile launcher. Its evolving platform compatibility suggests potential integration with naval assets, including submarines.

Also Read: Dhanush Missile

Nirbhay Missile Features

Nirbhay Missile is the first indigenous cruise missile produced in India. The features of this missile include: 

• • Design and Appearance: With its cylindrical fuselage, Nirbhay bears a visual resemblance to the U.S. Tomahawk and Russia’s Club SS-N-27 missiles.
  • Platform Versatility and Payload: The missile is capable of being launched from multiple platforms and can carry both conventional and nuclear warheads.
  • Propulsion and Engine: It is powered by a solid rocket booster and features an indigenous propulsion system. The missile is also equipped with the Manik turbofan engine, developed as part of the Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile (ITCM) project.
  • Capabilities: Nirbhay is claimed to have sea-skimming and loitering capabilities, enabling it to evade radar detection and strike with precision.

• Specifications

• • Length: 6 metres
  • Diameter: 0.5 metres
  • Launch Weight: 1,500–1,600 kg
  • Payload Capacity: 450 kg
  • Range: 800–1,000 km
• The missile is designed and developed by the Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), based in Bengaluru. 

Nirbhay Missile Production

The Nirbhay Missile was combined with Research and Development Establishment, supported by DRDO. An automobile rocket launcher was developed by TATA Motors in incorporation with DRDO for the Nirbhay Missile. It was built on a “great flexibility, all-wheel and all-terrain drive Tata LPTA 5252-12 X 12 automobile. The first launch trail was planned in October 2012 but was postponed due to some fluctuations in the rocket launcher. The cruise missile has the potential of killing 90% of cruise missiles.