Blitz Bureau
NEW DELHI:The Defence Ministry (MoD) is planning to elevate its hypersonic ambitions with Project Vishnu. The initiative, centered on the Extended Trajectory-Long Duration Hypersonic Cruise Missile (ET-LDHCM), has cleared initial developmental hurdles. It now awaits approval from the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS).
Successful ground and flight trials earlier this year have validated core technologies, but experts emphasise that full-scale production will demand overcoming thermal extremes and aerodynamic refinements—challenges that could redefine aerial deterrence in the Indo-Pacific.
The ET-LDHCM represents ministry’s push into scramjet-powered hypersonics, blending extended loiter times with blistering speeds to evade even the most advanced air defences. With a projected range of 1,500–2,500 kms, stealthy contours, and mid-flight maneuverability, the missile can carry conventional or nuclear payloads, offering the Indian Air Force (IAF) a versatile standoff weapon for precision strikes deep into adversarial territory.
At the heart of Project Vishnu’s engineering saga lies the relentless battle against aerodynamic heating—a byproduct of velocities exceeding Mach 5, where friction turns the missile’s skin into a plasma inferno. DRDO’s solution? A robust titanium alloy fuselage clad in advanced silica-based thermal protection tiles, inspired by re-entry vehicle tech but optimized for sustained cruise profiles. These tiles, engineered to withstand temperatures soaring beyond 1,500°C, dissipate heat through ablation and insulation, preserving structural integrity and avionics during prolonged hypersonic dashes.
As per sources heat management is the make-or-break for any hypersonic system. Initial subscale models have demonstrated tile adhesion under simulated thermal loads, but scaling to full-size prototypes will require iterative validation. This innovation not only shields the ET-LDHCM but also paves the way for reusable components in future iterations, aligning with India’s cost-conscious defense indigenization goals. B