SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
In a significant development for India’s defense sector, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is reportedly preparing to test a hypersonic cruise missile as part of its Project ET-LDHCM (End-to-End Test of Long-Duration Hypersonic Cruise Missile). The latest tender documents, detailing the scope of work for the supply of integration jigs and trolleys, provide a glimpse into the meticulous preparations underway for this advanced missile system.
The tender document outlines the supply of critical equipment, including Phase-II integration trolleys for sections 2, 3, and 4 (two units each), an integration jig for airframes, another for engine assembly, and an extension bed for the integration fixture. These components are essential for the assembly and integration of the hypersonic missile, ensuring precision and adherence to design specifications. The document emphasizes that the fabrication of these items must meet the standards outlined in the associated drawings, with the firm required to maintain secrecy throughout the process. Inspection reports must also accompany the deliverables, ensuring quality assurance.
A key aspect of the project is the adherence to the QA Plan (Doc No: DRDL/HCMD/INT/QA/02), which governs the realization of these items. The tender specifies that DRDO’s Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) holds the authority to accept or reject the items at any stage of manufacturing if deviations are found. Delivery is expected within three months of the supply order, with all items to be transported to the DRDL store in a single lot, properly packaged to prevent damage. The fixture’s acceptance will only occur after a demonstration with dummy hardware of design weight at DRDL, and any modifications will require concurrence from DRDL scientists.
The timeline and requirements suggest that DRDO is in the advanced stages of preparing for a test of the hypersonic cruise missile, a technology that promises speeds exceeding Mach 5 and the ability to maneuver at low altitudes, making it difficult to detect and intercept. Hypersonic weapons are a strategic focus for global military powers, and India’s progress in this domain positions it among a select group of nations with such capabilities.
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