Artist's impression of BrahMos on Su-30 MKI: Photo: BrahMos Aerospace
By Anantha Krishnan M. | Aviation Week
Bangalore, India | May 26, 2010
Initial trials for the air-launch version of the BrahMos supersonic missile will be carried out in the first half of 2011, and flight trials will take place in India in 2012, the missile maker says. The development of the air-launch version is expected to be completed in 2012, and its maker hopes to begin production and induction the same year. This version is for the Indian Air Force (IAF) and will be fitted with special launchers onto Su-30 MKI aircraft.
BrahMos CEO and Managing Director A. Sivathanu Pillai told AVIATION WEEK that a special fire control system (FCS) and missile fabrication are being developed. “The prototype of the launcher has been already manufactured at BrahMos Aerospace Thiruvananthapuram Ltd (BATL). Work related to platform modification is to be taken up by Sukhoi Design Bureau. Two aircraft will be prepared for carrying out the trials,” Sivathanu Pillai said.
