This hypersonic missile follows a quasi-ballistic trajectory with hypersonic speeds starting at Mach 10 (multiples of the speed of sound) and maintaining an average of Mach 5 with multiple hops. Indigenously developed sensors are provided to engage moving targets in the terminal phase, DRDO said. As this missile flies at low altitude with high speed and maneuverability, enemy ground and naval radars cannot detect it during most of its trajectory.

Ballistic missiles are a category of missiles that use projectile motion to deliver warheads. During their arcing trajectories, ballistic missiles receive propulsion during their initial journey, but then take a gravity-powered path. Quasi-ballistic missiles are a class of missiles that have a low trajectory and take the ballistic trajectory but can change course and perform maneuvers during flight if necessary.

The LR-AShM is configured with a two-stage solid propulsion rocket motor system. These propulsion systems propel the missile to the required hypersonic speeds. Stage 1 of the vehicle separates once spent. After Stage II exhaustion, the vehicle performs an unpowered glide with required maneuvers in the atmosphere before engaging the target.

The DRDO tableau will focus on the theme Naval Technologies for Combat Submarines and will include indigenously developed technologies and systems that act as a force multiplier for conventional submarines of the Indian Navy. These systems are Integrated Combat Suite (ICS), Wire Guided Heavyweight Torpedo (WGHWT) and the critical Air Independent Propulsion that will ensure combat supremacy in the underwater domain.

The ICS is the key next-generation submarine defense system for submarine warfare and anti-submarine operations and provides situational awareness by providing threat images for tactical decisions and actions such as weapon selection, launch and guidance.

The WGHWT is a submarine-launched torpedo to counter threats from contemporary ships and submarines in ocean waters. The AIP is for long underwater endurance of submarines, thus improving stealth. It is powered by locally developed phosphoric acid fuel cells with a novel onboard hydrogen generator. The AIP system generates power using phosphoric acid fuel cells feeding hydrogen and oxygen. The power generated by the fuel cell, after conditioning is fed to the underwater power line and the submarine is propelled underwater silently, without making any noise.