ImportMaster: robot: import pages using Special:Import

2022-05-10T13:49:14Z

robot: import pages using Special:Import

New page

{{Short description|Indian cruise missile in development}}
{{for|the 1996 film|Nirbhay (film)}}
{{Use Indian English|date=February 2018}}
{{Infobox weapon
| name = ''Nirbhay''
| image = Nirbhay missile test on 15 April 2019 (cropped).jpg
| caption = Nirbhay cruise missile launched on 15 April 2019
| type = Long-range, all-weather, subsonic [[cruise missile]]<ref name=Rusnavy>{{cite news|title=India to Test Nirbhay Cruise Missile in 2012|url=http://rusnavy.com/news/othernavies/index.php?ELEMENT_ID=13620|access-date=10 March 2012|newspaper=Rusnavy|date=November 2011}}</ref><ref name="cri.cn">{{cite web|url=http://english.cri.cn/6966/2010/04/11/2021s562399.htm|title=India Develops Sub-sonic Stealth Cruise Missile|access-date=8 October 2015}}</ref> [[Surface-to-surface missile]]
| service = Limited deployment
| length = {{convert|6|m|ft|abbr=on}}
| diameter = {{convert|0.52|m|ft|abbr=on}}
| is_missile = yes
| origin = India
| used_by = [[Strategic Forces Command]]
| designer = [[Aeronautical Development Establishment]] ([[Defence Research and Development Organisation|DRDO]])
| manufacturer = [[Bharat Dynamics Limited]]
| unit_cost =
| production_date =
| propellant = '''First stage:''' [[Solid fuel]] '''Second stage:''' [[Liquid fuel]]
| engine = '''First stage:''' [[Solid rocket booster]] '''Second stage:'''
* [[Turbojet]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Nirbhay |url=https://missilethreat.csis.org/missile/nirbhay/ |website=Missile Threat |publisher=Center for Strategic and International Studies |access-date=11 August 2021}}</ref>
* [[Turbofan]]
** [[UEC Saturn|NPO Saturn]] 36MT<ref>{{cite news|title=DRDO set for experimental test of long range land attack cruise missile|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/2021/oct/04/drdo-set-for-experimental-test-of-long-range-land-attack-cruise-missile-2367354.html|publisher=The New Indian Express}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Gady |first1=Franz-Stefan |title=India to Test Nirbhay Cruise Missile With Indigenous Propulsion System |url=https://thediplomat.com/2020/02/india-to-test-nirbhay-cruise-missile-with-indigenous-propulsion-system/ |access-date=26 July 2021 |agency=Diplomat Media Inc. |publisher=The Diplomat |date=7 February 2020}}</ref>
** [[GTRE]] STFE MANIK<ref>{{cite web |title=Engine and Accessories |url=https://www.drdo.gov.in/engine-and-accessories |website=DRDO |publisher=Ministry of Defence |access-date=26 July 2021}}</ref>
| weight = {{convert|1500|kg}}<ref>{{cite news |last1=Rout |first1=Hemant Kumar |title=3rd-time unlucky Nirbhay to try luck once more |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/2016/may/11/3rd-time-unlucky-Nirbhay-to-try-luck-once-more-902448.html |access-date=22 November 2021 |agency=ENS |publisher=The New Indian Express |date=11 May 2016}}</ref>
| wingspan = {{convert|2.7|m|ft|abbr=on}}
| speed = [[Mach number|Mach]] 0.7–[[Mach number|Mach]] 0.9<ref name="et1"/><ref name="Defence Now">{{cite news |title=India to Test 'Nirbhay Cruise Missile, Develop Agni-V Variant with Multiple Warhead Capabilities |url=http://www.defencenow.com/news/680/india-to-test-nirbhay-cruise-missile-develop-agni-v-variant-with-mutliple-warhead-capabilities.html |publisher=Defence Now |access-date=28 February 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923213324/http://www.defencenow.com/news/680/india-to-test-nirbhay-cruise-missile-develop-agni-v-variant-with-mutliple-warhead-capabilities.html |archive-date=23 September 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
| vehicle_range = up to {{convert|1500|km|mi|abbr=on}}<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/nirbhay-cruise-missile-test-fired-drdo-says-indigenous-engine-a-success-101628656458294.html|title = Nirbhay cruise missile test-fired; indigenous engine a success, say officials|date = 11 August 2021}}</ref>
| ceiling =
| altitude = {{cvt|50|m|ft}} to {{cvt|4|km|ft}}<ref name=":2">{{Cite news|last=Gupta|first=Shishir|date=11 August 2021|title=Nirbhay cruise missile test-fired; indigenous engine a success, say officials|work=Hindustan Times|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/nirbhay-cruise-missile-test-fired-drdo-says-indigenous-engine-a-success-101628656458294.html|access-date=11 August 2021}}</ref>
| filling = [[Conventional weapons|Conventional]] (PCB, [[blast fragmentation]])<ref name=autogenerated1>{{cite web |title=Cruise Missile - Nirbhay |url=https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Nirbhay_DRDO.jpg |website=DRDO |date=26 July 2021 |publisher=Ministry of Defence |access-date=26 July 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=120 mm Penetration Cum Blast (PCB) AND Thermobaric (TB) Ammunition For MBT Arjun |url=https://www.drdo.gov.in/120-mm-penetration-cum-blast-pcb-and-thermobaric-tb-ammunition-mbt-arjun |website=DRDO |publisher=Ministry of Defence |access-date=26 July 2021}}</ref> or [[Nuclear weapons|Nuclear]]
| filling_weight = 200-300 kg
| guidance = '''Mid-course:''' [[Ring laser gyro]] [[inertial navigation system]] and [[Vibrating structure gyroscope|MEMS gyroscope]]. Augmented by [[GPS]]/[[NavIC]] [[satellite guidance]] '''Terminal:''' [[Active radar homing]], electro-optical, [[imaging infrared]]<ref>{{cite web |last1=CSIS |title=Nirbhay |url=https://missilethreat.csis.org/missile/nirbhay/ |website=Missile Threat |publisher=Center for Strategic and International Studies |access-date=9 March 2020}}</ref><ref name=autogenerated1 />
| detonation =
| launch_platform = Land-based mobile launcher
| transport = [[Tata LPTA]] 5252-12 X12 High Mobility Vehicle
}}

'''Nirbhay''' (meaning ''Dauntless/Fearless'') is a long range, all-weather, [[Cruise missile#Long-range subsonic|subsonic]] [[cruise missile]] designed and developed in India by the [[Aeronautical Development Establishment]] (ADE) which is under [[Defence Research and Development Organisation]] (DRDO).<ref>{{Cite web|last=Krishnan M|first=Anantha|date=10 January 2021|title=ADE steps into new decade with planeloads of critical projects|url=https://www.onmanorama.com/news/india/2021/01/09/ade-steps-into-new-decade-with-planeloads-of-critical-projects.html|url-status=live|access-date=2021-07-26|website=OnManorama}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Pandit|first=Rajat|date=8 November 2017|title=Nirbhay Missile: India successfully tests its first nuclear-capable cruise missile {{!}} India News - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/india-successfully-tests-its-first-nuclear-capable-cruise-missile/articleshow/61550465.cms|url-status=live|access-date=2021-09-30|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> The missile can be launched from multiple platforms and is capable of carrying conventional and nuclear warheads. It is currently deployed in limited numbers in [[Line of Actual Control]] (LAC) during standoff with China.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Azam|first=Tanweer|date=2020-09-29|title=LAC standoff: India deploys long-range missile Nirbhay to tackle Chinese threat|url=https://zeenews.india.com/india/lac-standoff-india-deploys-long-range-missile-nirbhay-to-tackle-chinese-threat-2313199.html|url-status=live|access-date=2020-09-29|website=Zee News|language=en}}</ref>

==Design==
[[File:Nirbhay missiles during Republic Day Parade 2018.jpg|thumb|left|180px|Nirbhay missiles mounted on a truck-based launcher]]
Nirbhay is powered by a solid rocket booster for take off which is developed by Advanced Systems Laboratory (ASL). Upon reaching the required velocity and height, a [[turbofan]] engine in the missile takes over for further propulsion. The missile is guided by an inertial navigation system developed by [[Research Centre Imarat]] (RCI) and a radio altimeter for the height determination.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Menon|first1=Jay|title=India To Fly Subsonic Cruise Missile|url=http://aviationweek.com/defense/india-fly-subsonic-cruise-missile|website=Aviation Week|publisher=AWIN First|date=25 January 2013}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=|date=9 January 2018|title=Long-range cruise missile 'Nirbhay' test-fired|url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/longrange-cruise-missile-nirbhay-testfired/article9946323.ece|url-status=live|access-date=2021-09-30|website=Business Line|language=en}}</ref> The missile has a [[ring laser gyroscope]] (RLG) based guidance, control and navigation system. It also has a [[Microelectromechanical systems|microelectromechanical system]] ([[Vibrating structure gyroscope|MEMS]]) based [[inertial navigation system]] (INS) along with the [[Global Positioning System|GPS]]/[[NavIC]] system.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=173291|title=Press Information Bureau|access-date=2017-11-08}}</ref> The missile has a length of 6 metres, width of 0.52 metres, a wing span of 2.7 metres and weighs about 1500 kg. It has a range of about 1500 km and is capable of delivering 24 different types of warheads depending on mission requirements between 200 and 300 kg.<ref name="et1">{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/india-test-fires-subsonic-cruise-missile-nirbhay/articleshow/61543937.cms|title=India test fires subsonic cruise missile 'Nirbhay'|date=2018-01-27|work=The Economic Times|access-date=2020-02-06}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/nuke-capable-nirbhay-cruise-missile-fails-again-flight-aborted/|title=Nuke-capable Nirbhay cruise missile fails again, flight aborted|date=2015-10-17|website=The Indian Express|access-date=2015-10-22}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Joseph|first=Josy|date=21 July 2007|title=Nirbhay to beef up missile muscle|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?NewsID=1111269|url-status=live|access-date=1 October 2021|work=DNA India}}</ref>

The missile is claimed to have [[Sea skimming|sea-skimming]] and [[Loitering munition|loitering capability]], i.e., it can go round a target and perform several manoeuvres and then re-engage it. It is also able to pick out a target and attack it among multiple targets.<ref name=The_hindu>{{cite news|last=T. S. Subramanian|title=Nirbhay likely to be test-fired in April|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/article2968219.ece|access-date=10 March 2012|newspaper=The Hindu|date=March 2012|location=Chennai, India}}</ref> With two side wings, the missile is capable of flying at different altitudes ranging from 50 m to 4 km above the ground and can also fly at low altitudes (like low tree level) to avoid detection by enemy radar.<ref name="toi25j">{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-01-25/india/36547436_1_cruise-missile-brahmos-km-range|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130216070154/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-01-25/india/36547436_1_cruise-missile-brahmos-km-range|url-status=dead|archive-date=16 February 2013|title=India to test subsonic cruise missile in February|date=25 January 2013|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=25 January 2013}}</ref><ref name=hindd>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/2008/05/09/stories/2008050955301300.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080513092221/http://www.hindu.com/2008/05/09/stories/2008050955301300.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=13 May 2008|work=[[The Hindu]]|title=DRDO developing hypersonic missile|date=2008-05-09|access-date=8 October 2015}}</ref> It will eventually supplement the role played by [[BrahMos]] missile for the Indian Armed Forces by delivering warheads farther than the 450 km range.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/brahmos-cruise-missile-range-to-increase-to-450km-drdo-chief/story-iJi2AKJBlEblDEyoxnLyKO.html|title=From 290 km to 450 km: India to soon test extended range BrahMos missile|date=15 February 2017|access-date=7 November 2017}}</ref>

===Development and trials===
After the design was finalized, the technology required for the missile was developed. It was integrated by [[Research and Development Establishment]] (Engineers), a specialized arm of DRDO.<ref name=hindd /> [[Tata Motors]] has built the vehicle that is the carrier/launcher for the Nirbhay system and is based on a "high mobility, all-terrain and all-wheel drive [[Tata LPTA|Tata LPTA 5252]]-12 X 12 vehicle", developed in partnership with DRDO.<ref name=tmdv>{{cite web|title=Tata Motors' Defence Vehicles|url=http://tatamotors.com/pdf/defence-expo-2012-background-note.pdf|work=DEFEXPO 2012|publisher=Tata Motors|access-date=19 January 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120525065100/http://tatamotors.com/pdf/defence-expo-2012-background-note.pdf|archive-date=25 May 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The first test flight of the missile was planned in October 2012,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mangalorean.com/news.php?newstype=local&newsid=48826|title=Mangalorean.com - Mangalore News Articles, Classifieds to Around the World|access-date=8 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120206001710/http://mangalorean.com/news.php?newstype=local&newsid=48826|archive-date=6 February 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-09-05/india/33615016_1_inter-continental-ballistic-missile-missile-project-stealth-missile|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120908180721/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-09-05/india/33615016_1_inter-continental-ballistic-missile-missile-project-stealth-missile|url-status=dead|archive-date=8 September 2012|work=[[The Times of India]]|title='Nirbhay' missile set for test-firing next month|access-date=8 October 2015}}</ref> but the launch was postponed to December owing to the changes being made to the launcher. [[V. K. Saraswat]], Director General & Scientific Adviser of DRDO, later said that the missile would be tested in February 2013. He said the delay was due to development of some processes. DRDO expected the missile to be ready for induction within 12 to 18 months after the February test.<ref name=toi25j /><ref name="ec25j">{{cite news|date=25 January 2013|title=India to launch sub-sonic missile, Nirbhay, next month: DRDO|newspaper=The Economic Times|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/india-to-launch-sub-sonic-missile-nirbhay-next-month-drdo/articleshow/18182021.cms|access-date=25 January 2013}}</ref><ref name="toi19j">{{cite news|title = Nirbhay to be test-fired in February|url = http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-01-19/india/36431317_1_v-k-saraswat-long-range-cruise-missile-agni-iv|archive-url = https://archive.today/20130216063204/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-01-19/india/36431317_1_v-k-saraswat-long-range-cruise-missile-agni-iv|url-status = dead|archive-date = 16 February 2013|access-date = 19 January 2013|newspaper = [[The Times of India]]|date = 19 January 2013}}</ref> There were unconfirmed media reports that the missile would be scrapped due to multiple test failures but it was then reported that the project has been given an 18-month extension, till June 2018, to fix all outstanding issues.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Raghuvanshi|first=Vivek|date=2017-05-25|title=India Extends Homemade Missile Program Despite Failed Test|url=https://www.defensenews.com/naval/2017/01/11/india-extends-homemade-missile-program-despite-failed-test/|access-date=2021-09-30|website=Defense News|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Bhat|first=Aditya|date=2017-01-09|title=Parrikar gives lifeline to Nirbhay missile team, project gets extension till June 2018|url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/parrikar-gives-lifeline-nirbhay-missile-team-project-gets-extension-till-june-2018-711588|url-status=live|access-date=2021-09-30|website=IB Times|language=en}}</ref> Nirbhay cruise missile has a single shot kill ratio of above 90 percent.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Gupta|first=Shishir|date=2020-10-01|title=India moves terrain-hugging Nirbhay missiles with 1,000-km range to defend LAC|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-moves-terrain-hugging-nirbhay-missiles-with-1-000-km-range-to-defend-lac/story-yf5IrC1IhjVjbVv1aOJWSO.html|url-status=live|access-date=2021-07-27|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref>

==== First trial ====
[[File:Nirbhay cruise missile.jpg|thumb|177x177px|First trial of Nirbhay Long Range Cruise Missile (LRCM) launched at [[Chandipur, Odisha|Chandipur]], [[Odisha]] on March 12, 2013.|alt=|left]]The surface version of Nirbhay missile was test fired for the first time on 12 March 2013 from the [[Integrated Test Range]] (ITR) at Chandipur in Balasore district of Odisha. The missile in its maiden flight was supposed to hit a static target situated 1500 km away in the Bay of Bengal. Missile took off from the launch pad successfully and reached the second stage of propulsion, traveling 15 minutes through its envisaged path at a speed of 0.7 mach. After that it veered away from its trajectory forcing the command center to detach the engine from the missile mid way into the flight. This was done to avoid the risk of the missile hitting the coastal areas. The missile was purposely destroyed in mid-flight.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/nirbhay-missile-flight-terminated-after-it-deviates-from-path/article4500527.ece | location=Chennai, India | work=The Hindu | first1=Y. | last1=Mallikarjun | first2=T. S. | last2=Subramanian | title=Nirbhay strays from flight path, aborted | date=12 March 2013}}</ref>

The test was a partial success as the missile took off, reached the second stage of propulsion, and traveled 30% of its range and completed most of the mission objectives, before deviating from its path. DRDO has detected the problem which was a faulty inertial navigation system and corrected the same in subsequent tests.

====Second trial====
[[File:Nirbhay missile test on 17 October 2014.jpg|thumb|132x132px|Second successful trial launch of Nirbhay sub-sonic cruise missile from Integrated Test Range on October 17, 2014|alt=]]A second launch of the Nirbhay missile was scheduled for February–May 2014<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.deccanherald.com/content/384620/second-test-nirbhay-cruise-missile.html|title=Second test of Nirbhay cruise missile in February|work=Deccan Herald|date=5 February 2014|access-date=8 October 2015}}</ref> but it was further delayed until October 2014. Slight delay in October was also due to cyclone [[Cyclone Hudhud|Hudhud]]. On 17 October 2014, the surface version of the missile was tested once again from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur in Balasore district of Odisha, and this time the test was successful. The missile test met all the parameters & completed all 15 way-points. The missile traveled for more than 1500 km that lasted for a duration of over 1 hour and 10 minutes. The missile was tracked with the help of ground-based radars and its health parameters were monitored by telemetry stations from DRDO's ITR and LRDE (Electronics & Radar Development Establishment).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/India-test-fires-nuclear-capable-Nirbhay-cruise-missile/articleshow/44845526.cms|title=India test-fires nuclear-capable Nirbhay cruise missile|work=The Times of India|access-date=8 October 2015}}</ref> Indian Air force fighter jet Jaguar chased the missile during its flight to capture the video of the flight.

====Third trial====
The third test of the missile took place on 16 October 2015.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/subsonic-cruise-missile-nirbhay-to-be-testfired-today/article7768335.ece|title=Subsonic cruise missile Nirbhay to be test-fired today|author=Y. Mallikarjun|work=The Hindu|date=16 October 2015}}</ref> The missile was to be tested for its low flying capability. The missile in flight was supposed to be brought down from 4800 meters to 20 meters gradually and in stages. [[Su-30 MKI]] aircraft videotaped the flight.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.oneindia.com/india/nirbhay-missile-set-for-critical-low-altitude-trial-sukhoi-to-chase-oneindia-special-1898796.html|title=OneIndia Special: Nirbhay missile set for critical low-altitude trial; Sukhoi to chase|first=Dr Anantha Krishnan|last=M|date=October 14, 2015|website=One India}}</ref> A press release by the [[Ministry of Defence (India)|Ministry of Defence]] stated the missile was launched at 11:38 IST and all initial critical operations such as Booster ignition, Booster separation, Wing deployment and engine start were successfully executed and Nirbhay reached the desired Cruise Altitude.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/government-press-release/flight-of-nirbhay-missile-aborted-after-700-seconds-of-launch-115101601233_1.html|title=Flight of Nirbhay Missile Aborted after 700 Seconds of Launch|author=Business Standard|date=16 October 2015|work=business-standard.com}}</ref> Although the take off was successful after repeated disruptions of countdown, the missile crashed into the Bay of Bengal 11 minutes into its flight after covering only 128 km of its 1500 km range.<ref>{{cite web|date=16 October 2015|title=Nirbhay, India's Indigenous Cruise Missile, Fails Test Midway|url=http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/nirbhay-indias-indigenous-cruise-missile-fails-midway-1233086|url-status=live|work=NDTV}}</ref>

==== Fourth trial ====

The fourth test of the missile took place on 21 December 2016 from Launch Complex-III of Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Balasore in Odisha around 11:56 [[Indian Standard Time|IST]].<ref>{{Cite news|date=2016-12-21|title=Long range Subsonic cruise missile Nirbhaya test fired from ITR|language=en-US|newspaper=Daily Excelsior|url=http://www.dailyexcelsior.com/long-range-subsonic-cruise-missile-nirbhaya-test-fired-itr/|access-date=2016-12-21}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://odishasuntimes.com/2016/12/21/nirbhay-missile-test-fired-off-odisha-coast/|title=Nirbhay missile test fired off Odisha coast|last=Biswajeet|date=2016-12-21|website=OdishaSunTimes.com|access-date=2016-12-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161225162400/http://odishasuntimes.com/2016/12/21/nirbhay-missile-test-fired-off-odisha-coast/|archive-date=2016-12-25|url-status=dead}}</ref> There has been no official word on the test outcome, however according to news reports this test was not successful. The booster engine in the first stage started working and lifted the missile off from its launcher. But the missile started veering dangerously towards one side in two minutes after lift-off and veered outside its safety corridor. Due to this, the test was aborted and the missile was remotely destroyed. A potential reason for the failure was described as a hardware problem with one of the missile's component.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/Nirbhay-missile-test-%E2%80%9Can-utter-failure%E2%80%9D/article16915750.ece|title=Nirbhay missile test "an utter failure"|last=Subramanian|first=T.S.|newspaper=The Hindu|access-date=2016-12-21}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/nuclear-capable-nirbhay-cruise-missiles-test-fails-for-the-fourth-time/articleshow/56105444.cms|title=Nuclear-capable Nirbhay cruise missile's test fails for the fourth time - Times of India|newspaper=The Times of India|access-date=2016-12-21}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/nirbhay-failed-due-to-use-of-recycled-material/article19195215.ece|title='Nirbhay failed due to use of recycled material' -The Hindu|last=Bhattcharjee|first=Sumit|newspaper=The Hindu|access-date=2017-07-01}}</ref>[[File:Nirbhay missile launch on 7 November 2017.jpg|thumb|159x159px|Fifth successful trial flight tested on November 07, 2017.|alt=|left]]

==== Fifth trial ====
The fifth successful test of the missile took place on 7 November 2017 from Launch Complex-III of Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Balasore in Odisha around 11:20 IST. The flight test was a success and met all mission objectives. During the test, the missile traveled a distance of 647 km over a 50 min duration was tracked by ground based radars and telemetry stations.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Pandit|first=Rajat|date=8 November 2017|title=Nirbhay Missile: India successfully tests its first nuclear-capable cruise missile|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/india-successfully-tests-its-first-nuclear-capable-cruise-missile/articleshow/61550465.cms|url-status=live|access-date=2021-11-22|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.janes.com/article/75497/india-conducts-successful-flight-test-of-nirbhay-cruise-missile|title=India conducts successful flight test of Nirbhay cruise missile {{!}} Jane's 360|website=www.janes.com|access-date=2017-11-08}}</ref> This trial of the missile used a turbojet engine instead of a turbofan engine<ref>{{cite web|title=India's subsonic cruise missile Nirbhay ready for fifth trial|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/indias-subsonic-cruise-missile-nirbhay-ready-for-fifth-trial/articleshow/61518806.cms|website=Economic Times|access-date=1 February 2018}}</ref>

==== Sixth trial ====
[[File:Nirbhay missile test on 15 April 2019.jpg|thumb|156x156px|Sixth missile trial from Integrated Test Range, Odisha on 15 April 2019.]]
The sixth successful trial took place on April 15, 2019. Traversing around 650 km, the test missile navigated way-points located at altitudes varying from 5 meters to 2.5 km. DRDO clarified that all mission objectives were met.<ref>{{Cite journal|title=Long-range sub-sonic cruise missile Nirbhay successfully test-fired|url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/long-range-sub-sonic-cruise-missile-nirbhay-successfully-test-fired/article26842044.ece|journal=Business Line}}</ref> The test also validated the [[Terrain-following radar|terrain hugging]] and the [[sea skimming]] capability of the missile.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/sub-sonic-cruise-missile-nirbhay-successfully-test-fired/article26849032.ece|title=Sub-sonic cruise missile 'Nirbhay' successfully test-fired|date=2019-04-16|work=The Hindu|access-date=2019-08-26|others=Special Correspondent|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X}}</ref>

This trial completed the developmental trials of the missile. The next set of trials will be conducted as per the requirements of the user - the [[Indian Armed Forces]].<ref name=":1">{{Cite news|url=https://www.theweek.in/news/india/2019/04/16/nirbhay-cruise-missile-to-be-tested-desi-engine-future.html|title=Nirbhay cruise missile to be tested with 'desi' engine in future|date=16 April 2019|work=The Week|access-date=26 August 2019}}</ref>

Nirbhay project is now technically closed after completing six developmental trials. The next phase of tests will happen from April 2020 under a new name called Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile (ITCM). It will include Small Turbo Fan Engine (STFE) developed by [[Gas Turbine Research Establishment]] (GTRE) and a [[Radio frequency|radio-frequency]] (RF) seeker from [[Research Centre Imarat]] (RCI). A separate air-launched variant and submarine-launched variant is under active development.<ref>{{Cite web|title=India set to develop long range, land attack cruise missile|url=https://english.manoramaonline.com/news/nation/2020/02/06/india-defexpo-long-range-land-attack-cruise-missile.html|access-date=2020-02-06|website=OnManorama|language=en}}</ref>

==== Seventh trial ====
DRDO is planning to conduct test of Nirbhay under the new name Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile (ITCM) with GTRE developed Small Turbo Fan Engine (STFE) called Manik and an upgraded RF seeker from RCI on 12 October 2020.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Rout|first1=Hemant Kumar|date=11 October 2020|title=India likely to conduct maiden test of Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile on October 12|publisher=The New Indian Express|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/2020/oct/11/india-likely-to-conduct-maiden-test-of-indigenous-technology-cruise-missile-on-october-12-2208832.html|access-date=12 October 2020}}</ref> The seventh trial took place on October 12, 2020, at 10:30 AM from Wheeler Island, it was given a test-launch window of 2 days. The test was aborted after 8 minutes of launch and the missile ditched into open waters due to a technical glitch, which is yet to be ascertained. GTRE developed STFE is a crucial step in achieving self-sufficiency in cruise missile technology. DRDO is expected to fly the Nirbhay again in a few months after analyzing the data.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Gupta|first1=Shishir|date=12 October 2020|title=DRDO fires Nirbhay cruise missile into sea, hits abort after 8 minutes|publisher=Hindustan Times|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/drdo-fires-nirbhay-cruise-missile-into-sea-hits-abort-after-8-minutes/story-pwMlu7YRVvgiHuhA0P2rfI.html|access-date=12 October 2020}}</ref>

==== Eighth trial ====
On 24 June 2021, Nirbhay was successfully test-fired from launch pad no.3 of the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur.<ref>{{cite news|date=2021-06-24|title=Nirbhay Cruise Missile Test-Fired Off Odisha Coast|publisher=Sambad English|url=https://sambadenglish.com/nirbhay-cruise-missile-test-fired-off-odisha-coast/|access-date=2021-06-24}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-06-24|title=CM congratulates DRDO for successful launch of missile 'Nirbhay' off Odisha Coast|url=https://kalingatv.com/state/cm-congratulates-drdo-for-successful-launch-of-missile-nirbhay-off-odisha-coast/|access-date=2021-06-26|website=KalingaTV|language=en-US}}</ref> The successful test was conducted with the GTRE Manik engine paving the way for a full range test.<ref>{{Cite web|title=DRDO tastes success with new turbofan engine after Odisha test launch|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/2021/aug/12/drdo-tastes-success-with-new-turbofan-engine-after-odisha-test-launch-2343690.html|access-date=2022-02-13|website=The New Indian Express}}</ref>

==Variants==
;Base variant

Standard nirbhay subsonic cruise missile is powered by a Russian NPO Saturn 36MT engine.

;Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile (ITCM)

Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile (ITCM) is based on Nirbhay missile itself but ITCM has GTRE STFE MANIK turbofan engine.

==See also==
*[[Kh-55]] - Russia
*[[3M-54 Klub|3M14]] -Russia
*[[BGM-109 Tomahawk]] - United States
*[[Hyunmoo-3]] - South Korea
*[[CJ-10 (missile)|CJ-10]] - China
*[[Hongniao|HN-1/2/3]] - China
*[[Qader (missile)|Qader]] - Iran
*[[Atmaca]] - Turkey
*[[SOM (missile)|SOM]] - Turkey
*[[Noor (missile)|Noor ASCM]] - Iran
*[[Zafar (anti-ship missile)|Zafar]] - Iran
*[[Babur (cruise missile)|Babur]] - Pakistan
*[[YJ-83]] - China
*[[YJ-62]] - China
*[[Otomat]] - Italy
*[[Storm Shadow|MdCN]] - UK, France, Italy
*[[List of missiles by country]]
*[[India and weapons of mass destruction]]

==References==
{{reflist|30em}}

==External links==
{{commons category|Nirbhay}}
* [http://missilethreat.csis.org/missile/nirbhay/ CSIS Missile Threat - Nirbhay]
* [http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ur5BBnLiOKc/Tyrj8P46_xI/AAAAAAAAAy4/la0HKLEbljk/s1600/CEMILAC+Poster-1.jpg Nirbhay integration into Su-30MKI]
* [http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gj7i7MbMDeE/TyrlWqdFWgI/AAAAAAAAAzI/6GvuGmufKqY/s1600/LFRJ.jpg Liquid fuel Ramjet technology]
* [http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-to-launch-subsonic-missile-next-month/article4344332.ece India to launch sub-sonic missile next month]

'''Technical:'''
* [https://www.drdo.gov.in/sites/default/files/inline-files/STFE_WRITEUP.pdf Engine Layout and Modules of MANIK STFE]
* [https://www.drdo.gov.in/sites/default/files/technology-focus-documrnt/TF_May-Jun_2018_web.pdf DRDO Technology Focus : Warhead for Missiles, Torpedoes and Rockets]

{{Indian missiles}}
{{Defence Research and Development Organisation}}

[[Category:Cruise missiles of India]]
[[Category:Military equipment introduced in the 2020s]]

Nirbhay - Revision history

Wmltusa: expanded content

CleanupBot II: Removed empty portal template using script

Bot: robot: Create/upgrade articles. If there is a mistake please report on my talk page.

ImportMaster: robot: import pages using Special:Import

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:02, 14 August 2023
Line 97:		Line 97:

	==See also==		==See also==
	~~{{Portal\|India\|Rocketry\|Nuclear technology}}~~
	*[[Kh-55]] - Russia		*[[Kh-55]] - Russia
	*[[3M-54 Klub\|3M14]] -Russia		*[[3M-54 Klub\|3M14]] -Russia