No the NDTV source I quoted, did not mention 1500km as strike radius, but how far the MKI can fly with Brahmos.
The significant reduction in range is due to added weight of metal needed to stiffen fuselage , aerodynamic drag of Brahmi's and of course the 2.5 ton missile ain't light either.
I wont expect Vishnu Som to know the difference between strike radius and ferry range of the aircrafts.
What they are quoting as the 'range of Su30 with Bhramos' is actually the nominal, un-refueled strike radius of Su 30.
Without refueling, Su30 has a typical mission time of 3.5 - 4 hrs...which corresponds to 3500km ferry range. With refueling, the aircraft has a flying time of 8hrs.
Aerodynamic drag has very less to weight of the missile, but very much to do with the exposed surface area of the missile.
Su 30 usually carries a combination 12 BVRAAMs and WVRAAMS. I am sure aerodynamic drag of 12 missile is far greater than aerodynamic drag of single bhramos, regardless of its weight.
As far strengthening of fuselage to carry additional weight on centre pylon is concerned. It necessarily does not add weight. Strengthening is done using incorporating materials which are stronger, for example carbon fiber, which is much stronger than aircraft grade aluminium, yet lighter than it.
No the NDTV source I quoted, did not mention 1500km as strike radius, but how far the MKI can fly with Brahmos.
The significant reduction in range is due to added weight of metal needed to stiffen fuselage , aerodynamic drag of Brahmi's and of course the 2.5 ton missile ain't light either.
I wont expect Vishnu Som to know the difference between strike radius and ferry range of the aircrafts.
What they are quoting as the 'range of Su30 with Bhramos' is actually the nominal, un-refueled strike radius of Su 30.
Without refueling, Su30 has a typical mission time of 3.5 - 4 hrs...which corresponds to 3500km ferry range. With refueling, the aircraft has a flying time of 8hrs.
Aerodynamic drag has very less to weight of the missile, but very much to do with the exposed surface area of the missile.
Su 30 usually carries a combination 12 BVRAAMs and WVRAAMS. I am sure aerodynamic drag of 12 missile is far greater than aerodynamic drag of single bhramos, regardless of its weight.
As far strengthening of fuselage to carry additional weight on centre pylon is concerned. It necessarily does not add weight. Strengthening is done using incorporating materials which are stronger, for example carbon fiber, which is much stronger than aircraft grade aluminium, yet lighter than it.