Long-Duration Extended Trajectory Context of the Hypersonic Cruise Missile (ET-LDHCM)

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Why in the News?

India has conducted tests of the ET-LDHCM, a new hypersonic missile.
India now has the ET-LDHCM, joining a small number of countries that have developed hypersonic weapon systems, such as China, Russia, and the United States.

Important Features:

Natively Produced: developed under the classified Project Vishnu initiative of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) using only domestic technology.
Scramjet Engine: An advanced scramjet engine powers the missile. A scramjet, in contrast to conventional jet engines, uses atmospheric oxygen for combustion, enabling prolonged high speeds.
Hypersonic Speed: At its top speed of Mach 8, or roughly 11,000 km/h, or eight times the speed of sound, the missile can cover three kilometres in two seconds.
Range: roughly 1,500 kilometres.
Payload: It can use 1,000–2,000 kg conventional or nuclear warheads to target and destroy enemy locations.
Deep into enemy territory, including targets in China and Pakistan, it can deliver quick and devastating strikes.
As a result, the missile is being hailed as a possible shift in the military balance in Asia.
Low-altitude flying and manoeuvrability: The ET-LDHCM can manoeuvre in mid-flight and travels at low altitudes, in contrast to ballistic missiles that have predictable trajectories.
Durability and Stealth: It is composed of materials that are resistant to heat and can withstand temperatures of up to 2,000 degrees Celsius.
Its oxidation-resistant coatings guarantee that it will keep working even in the most harsh environments, such as seawater and strong sunlight.
Versatile Launch Platforms: It can be launched from the sea, the air, or the ground.

Vishnu Project:

India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) launched Project Vishnu, a program aimed at creating hypersonic cruise missiles.
With the help of fast, manoeuvrable weapons, the project seeks to transform India’s strike capabilities.

Long-Duration Extended Trajectory Context of the Hypersonic Cruise Missile (ET-LDHCM)

Why in the News?

India has conducted tests of the ET-LDHCM, a new hypersonic missile.

India now has the ET-LDHCM, joining a small number of countries that have developed hypersonic weapon systems, such as China, Russia, and the United States.

Important Features:

Natively Produced: developed under the classified Project Vishnu initiative of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) using only domestic technology.

Scramjet Engine: An advanced scramjet engine powers the missile. A scramjet, in contrast to conventional jet engines, uses atmospheric oxygen for combustion, enabling prolonged high speeds.

Hypersonic Speed: At its top speed of Mach 8, or roughly 11,000 km/h, or eight times the speed of sound, the missile can cover three kilometres in two seconds.

Range: roughly 1,500 kilometres.

Payload: It can use 1,000–2,000 kg conventional or nuclear warheads to target and destroy enemy locations.

Deep into enemy territory, including targets in China and Pakistan, it can deliver quick and devastating strikes.

As a result, the missile is being hailed as a possible shift in the military balance in Asia.

Low-altitude flying and manoeuvrability: The ET-LDHCM can manoeuvre in mid-flight and travels at low altitudes, in contrast to ballistic missiles that have predictable trajectories.

Durability and Stealth: It is composed of materials that are resistant to heat and can withstand temperatures of up to 2,000 degrees Celsius.

Its oxidation-resistant coatings guarantee that it will keep working even in the most harsh environments, such as seawater and strong sunlight.

Versatile Launch Platforms: It can be launched from the sea, the air, or the ground.

Vishnu Project:

India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) launched Project Vishnu, a program aimed at creating hypersonic cruise missiles.

With the help of fast, manoeuvrable weapons, the project seeks to transform India’s strike capabilities.

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