India successfully test-fired the Pralay, surface-to-surface guided, short-range surface-to-surface short-range ballistic missile (SRBM), the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) said.

It has a strike target at a range of 150 to 500 km, It followed the desired quasi ballistic trajectory, and reached the designated target with high degree accuracy, validating the control, guidance and mission algorithms.

Pralay is powered by solid propellant rocket motor, with a payload of roughly 1000 kg. The missile guidance system has a cutting-edge navigation system as well as integrated avionics. The missile is capable of launching from a mobile launcher within short notice. A quasi-ballistic missile has a low trajectory, and while it is largely ballistic, it can maneuver in flight. and India will have two conventional missiles with long-range; The BrahMos will be a cruise option and Pralay one will be the ballistic option which gives India tactical battlefield dynamics.

LEARNING FROM HOME/ WITHOUT CLASSES/ BASICS

CRUISE MISSILE

It travels closer to the surface of the sea in order to avoid detection by the enemy’s radar and travels at subsonic speed in its initial stages. However, when it approaches its target it suddenly raises its height and travels in supersonic speed, and is difficult to be detected before hitting its target. Ex: Brahmos missile

BALLASTIC MISSILES

It is one which by making use of its own propulsion travels through the atmosphere of the earth, enters the outer space and renters the earth atmosphere. Thereafter it starts falling to the surface of the earth largely using the gravitational force of the earth.

Like an arrow or a spear, ballistic missiles are pushed into the atmosphere by its engine, and then most part of the flight is affected only by gravity. It employs sophisticated re-entry technology and is mounted on a re-entry vehicle to withstand temperature as it re enters the earth’s atmosphere.

A missile is called ballistic because, just as one would throw a ball or spear, the rocket’s engine gives the missile an initial push, after which its flight is affected only by gravity. Ballistic missiles do not fly. They go up, and they come down.

A ballistic missile can be launched from land, from a silo, from mobile platforms on trucks or trains, from submarine or ship, or from an airplane. Because they do not burn oxygen from the air, ballistic missiles can fly beyond the earth’s atmosphere.

Ballistic missiles are not to be confused with cruise missiles. The former are unmanned projectiles; the latter are pilotless airplanes, either remote-controlled or pre-programmed. They fly through the air, and only through the air. The engines of cruise missiles, like those of aircraft, burn oxygen from the air.

Some types of ballistic missiles are

Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM): Range over 5500 kilometers

Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM): Range 3000-5500 kilometers