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Consider the following statements regarding Hypersonic missile.
  1. A hypersonic missile is a weapon system which flies at least five times the speed of sound.
  2. Unlike a ballistic missile, it follows a set course.
  3. At present only Russia and United States possess Hypersonic missiles.
Which of the above statement sis/are correct?
  • a)
    1, 2 
  • b)
    1 only 
  • c)
    1, 3 
  • d)
    2, 3
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?
Most Upvoted Answer
Consider the following statements regarding Hypersonic missile. A hype...
Statement 1: A hypersonic missile is a weapon system which flies at least five times the speed of sound.

This statement is correct. Hypersonic missiles are defined as missiles that travel at speeds greater than five times the speed of sound, which is approximately 6174 kilometers per hour or 3840 miles per hour. These missiles are designed to travel at extremely high velocities, making them difficult to intercept and providing them with the capability to strike targets with great accuracy and speed.

Statement 2: Unlike a ballistic missile, it follows a set course.

This statement is incorrect. Hypersonic missiles, like ballistic missiles, follow a parabolic trajectory and are launched into space before re-entering the atmosphere. Once re-entering the atmosphere, they maneuver to their target, making unpredictable movements to evade enemy defenses. This maneuverability is one of the key advantages of hypersonic missiles, as it allows them to avoid interception and strike targets from unexpected angles.

Statement 3: At present only Russia and the United States possess Hypersonic missiles.

This statement is incorrect. While Russia and the United States are the two leading countries in the development and deployment of hypersonic missile technology, other countries such as China, India, and several European nations are also actively pursuing the development of hypersonic missiles. These countries recognize the strategic advantages that hypersonic missiles can provide and are investing in research and development to enhance their military capabilities.

Therefore, the correct statements are:

a) Statement 1 only
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Community Answer
Consider the following statements regarding Hypersonic missile. A hype...
  • A hypersonic missile is a weapon system which flies at least at the speed of Mach 5 i.e. five times the speed of sound and is manoeuvrable. The manoeuvrability of the hypersonic missile is what sets it apart from a ballistic missile as the latter follows a set course or a ballistic trajectory. Thus, unlike ballistic missiles, hypersonic missiles do not follow a ballistic trajectory and can be manoeuvred to the intended target.
  • The two types of hypersonic weapons systems are Hypersonic Glide Vehicles (HGV) and Hypersonic Cruise Missiles. The HGV are launched from a rocket before gliding to the intended target while the hypersonic cruise missile is powered by air breathing high speed engines or ‘scramjets’ after acquiring their target.
  • Apart from Russia, which announced its hypersonic missile ‘Kinzhal’ or Dagger in 2018 and has now used it for the first time in battle conditions in Ukraine, China too is reportedly in possession of this weapon system and has twice used it to circumnavigate the globe before landing near a target in August 2021.
  • In the US, the hypersonic weapons are being developed under its Navy’s conventional Prompt Strike Programme as well as through Army, Air Force and Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). While the US, Russia and China are in advanced stages of hypersonic missile programmes, India, France, Germany, Japan and Australia too are developing hypersonic weapons.
  • India is also developing an indigenous, dual capable (conventional as well as nuclear) hypersonic cruise missile as part of its Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle programme and has successfully tested a Mach 6 scramjet in June 2019 and September 2020. “India operates approximately 12 hypersonic wind tunnels and is capable of testing speeds upto Mach 13,”
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Consider the following statements regarding Hypersonic missile. A hypersonic missile is a weapon system which flies at least five times the speed of sound. Unlike a ballistic missile, it follows a set course. At present only Russia and United States possess Hypersonic missiles.Which of the above statement sis/are correct?a)1, 2b)1 onlyc)1, 3d)2, 3Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?
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