Brahmos to diversify into satellite launch vehicles

Brahmos Aerospace will diversity into launch vehicle components with a contract from the Indian space research organization to build components of launch vehicles. The project will fructify in 2 years for the PSLV launcher. Bramos Aerospace CEO, Dr. A Sivathanu Pillai told www.aeroindianews.com that a contract was signed in july 2008 with ISRO and the project to manufacture the launch vehicle sub assemblies was finalized recently. The launcher sub-assemblies would be manufactured at Brahmos's recent facility in Thiruvananthpurum which follows the takeover of a Kerala state enterprise. The facility would assemble missiles as well, Dr . Pillai said adding that the launch vehicle sub-assemblies business was intended to make use of spare capacity in the facility. Brahmos' air launched version was the next big project for the company. Dr. Pillai said that the missile fitted to the underbelly of the Sukhoi fighter was scheduled for testing later this or early next year. "I see great potential for this missile as the Su-30 fighter aircraft was in service of many air forces and the Brahmos missile would considerably add to their fighting ability", he added.