Q40. BrahMos is the name of a:
[UPSC CAPF Assistant Commandants, 12 July 2015]
(A) Short-range supersonic cruise missile
(B) Air-defence gun
(C) Military satellite
(D) Multiple rocket launcher
Answer: (A) Short-range supersonic cruise missile
Explanation: BrahMos is a high-speed cruise missile jointly developed by India and Russia. Its design supports precision attacks from several kinds of launch platform, distinguishing it from artillery rocket launchers. Cruise missiles remain powered through most of their guided flight, which distinguishes their operating principle from ballistic missiles.
Q39. What nuclear payload capacity was attributed to the Agni-V missile?
[AFCAT, 13 September 2015]
(A) 1,000 kg
(B) 1,500 kg
(C) 2,000 kg
(D) 2,500 kg
Answer: (B) 1,500 kg
Explanation: The Agni-V was described as capable of delivering a payload around 1,500 kilograms. It is a long-range, three-stage solid-fuel ballistic missile developed by India for strategic deterrence. Unlike a cruise missile, a ballistic missile relies chiefly on its momentum and gravity after its initial powered stages.
Q38. Which is India’s first long-range subsonic cruise missile?
[AFCAT, 22 February 2015]
(A) Agni-II
(B) Prithvi
(C) Dhanush
(D) Nirbhay
Answer: (D) Nirbhay
Explanation: Nirbhay is designed for long-range subsonic cruise flight. The other options are ballistic missiles, which follow different flight profiles and are designed for different launch and mission requirements. Cruise-missile navigation and propulsion must sustain controlled flight over long distances, often at comparatively low altitude.
Q37. K-15 is classified as which type of missile?
[AFCAT, 22 February 2015]
(A) Submarine-launched ballistic missile
(B) Intercontinental ballistic missile
(C) Medium-range ballistic missile
(D) Land-based short-range ballistic missile
Answer: (A) Submarine-launched ballistic missile
Explanation: K-15, also called Sagarika, is a submarine-launched ballistic missile. It is associated with India’s sea-based strategic deterrent and is fundamentally different from land-launched Agni missiles.
Q36. BrahMos is a joint venture between which foreign country and Indian organisation?
[IB ACIO Grade II, 22 February 2015]
(A) United States and ISRO
(B) United Kingdom and ISRO
(C) Russia and ISRO
(D) Russia and DRDO
Answer: (D) Russia and DRDO
Explanation: The BrahMos project brings together DRDO of India and Russian missile-industry expertise. This partnership developed a supersonic cruise missile named from the Brahmaputra and Moskva rivers. Cruise missiles remain powered through most of their guided flight, which distinguishes their operating principle from ballistic missiles.
Q35. Concerning Agni-IV:
1. It is surface-to-surface.
2. It uses only liquid propellant.
3. It carries a one-tonne warhead 7,500 km.
Which is correct?
[UPSC CSE Prelims 2014]
(A) 1 only
(B) 2 and 3 only
(C) 1 and 3 only
(D) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (A) 1 only
Explanation: Agni-IV is a surface-to-surface ballistic missile using solid-fuel propulsion. Its reported range is much less than 7,500 km, making statements two and three false. Unlike a cruise missile, a ballistic missile relies chiefly on its momentum and gravity after its initial powered stages.
Q34. Which BrahMos version was successfully tested by India in March 2013?
[UPPSC Civil Services Prelims 2013]
(A) Aircraft version
(B) Ship version
(C) Land version
(D) Submarine version
Answer: (D) Submarine version
Explanation: A submerged launch test of the submarine version of BrahMos took place in March 2013. It demonstrated the system’s adaptability for naval underwater platforms. Cruise missiles remain powered through most of their guided flight, which distinguishes their operating principle from ballistic missiles.
Q33. Which of these is an Indian surface-to-air missile?
[RPSC RAS Prelims 2013]
(A) Agni
(B) Nag
(C) Trishul
(D) Prithvi
Answer: (C) Trishul
Explanation: Trishul is a short-range surface-to-air missile project. Agni and Prithvi are surface-to-surface ballistic missile families, while Nag is designed to attack armoured vehicles. Missile range and intended target determine whether a weapon is a short-range air-defence system or a strategic strike system.
Q32. Which of the following is an indigenously built light combat aircraft?
[UPPSC Civil Services Mains 2013]
(A) Akash
(B) Tejas
(C) Vikrant
(D) Arjun
Answer: (B) Tejas
Explanation: Tejas is India’s indigenous light combat aircraft. The distractors refer to a surface-to-air missile system, an aircraft carrier and a main battle tank, respectively. A fighter-aircraft programme requires flight-control engineering, avionics integration and years of flight-testing before operational induction.
Q31. C-130J Super Hercules aircraft operated by the Indian Air Force were produced in which country?
[RPSC RAS Prelims 2013]
(A) Israel
(B) United States
(C) Russia
(D) France
Answer: (B) United States
Explanation: The C-130J Super Hercules is manufactured by Lockheed Martin in the United States. It is a military transport aircraft used for tactical airlift, rather than an indigenous Indian fighter.
