NEWS – DRDO Successfully Conducts Release Trials of Long-Range Glide Bomb (LRGB) ‘Gaurav’

HIGHLIGHTS

General Description

• ‘Gaurav’ is a 1,000-kg class air-launched glide bomb, designed and developed indigenously by DRDO.
• It is not a powered missile; it relies on glide technology to reach its target after being released from an aircraft.

Working Mechanism

• Unlike conventional gravity bombs:
  • Glide bombs are equipped with aerodynamic surfaces (wings/fins) that allow forward movement in the air.
  • They do not have an engine.
  • Rely on initial momentum from high-altitude aircraft and aerodynamic lift to travel long distances.
• This feature allows the launching aircraft to stay far from enemy radar and air defence systems, ensuring higher pilot safety and precision.

Development and Collaboration

• Designed by Research Centre Imarat (RCI), a DRDO laboratory based in Hyderabad.
• The development process involved:
  • Adani Defence Systems & Technologies
  • Bharat Forge
  • Various Indian MSMEs (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises)

KEY FEATURES OF ‘GAURAV’

Physical Specifications

• Diameter: 0.6 metre
• Length: 4 metre
• Wingspan: 3.4 metre

Operational Capabilities

• Air-launched and designed to strike targets at long ranges.
• Capable of gliding over 100 kilometres when launched from altitudes above 40,000 feet.

Guidance System

• Equipped with a dual guidance system:
  • Inertial Navigation System (INS)
  • Satellite-based GPS
• Ensures high accuracy in targeting even from extended stand-off distances.