L&T Defence, the defence arm of Larsen & Toubro (L&T) and one of the leading industry partners of BrahMos Aerospace Pvt. Ltd. (BAPL), successfully completed the design and prototype realisation of the ‘Quadruple Canisterised Inclined Launcher’ (QCIL or Quad Launcher) for BRAHMOS missiles and after rigorous trails handed over the prototype Quad Launcher to BAPL at an event held at L&T Defence’ Strategic Systems Complex near Pune, on May 5, 2018.
The Quad Launcher is designed for launching BRAHMOS supersonic cruise missiles in an inclined configuration on-board Indian Naval ships. The launcher provides superior firepower as compared to the twin canister, deck mounted launchers and has a capability to support and launch four missiles in a single or salvo mode. The new Quad Launcher is suitable for warships which have space constraints to accommodate a Vertical Launch Module.
Mr. Jayant Patil, Whole-time Director (Defence) and Member of L&T Board, handed over QCIL prototype to Dr. Sudhir Mishra, Director General (BrahMos) DRDO and CEO & MD, BrahMos Aerospace. The production units of the QCIL will be ready for deployment on Indian Naval Ships in next 18 months.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Jayant Patil said, “We have been associated with the development of BRAHMOS missile programme since 2000, when as part of the composite team led by DRDO, we engaged with the Russian Federation and embarked on this vast project. As proven partners of all variants of Naval missile launchers for BRAHMOS, we took up the design of the unique Quad Launcher and realised the prototype in 18 months. The Launcher underwent rigorous testing, including by the NPOM specialists, prior to receiving of production clearance. L&T will now take up the bulk production of the Quad Launchers.”
While receiving the new launcher, Dr. Sudhir Mishra said, “BrahMos has taken an exemplary lead in the Indian Government’s ‘Make-In-India’ drive. In fact, BrahMos Aerospace practices ‘Design-In-India’ – the next level of ‘Make-In-India’, which has resulted in the establishment of a consortium of over 200 industries involved in the design, development, testing and production of various systems and sub-systems for the universal BRAHMOS missile and its various ground / air / sea based systems.”
“The BrahMos concept of ‘Mind-to-Market’ has led to technology development along with skilled manpower creation and a huge business, thus leading to in-country wealth generation,” Dr. Mishra remarked while adding that, “Our major partner L&T is an ideal example of ‘Design-In-India’ and ‘Make-In-India’ today.”
As a leading industry partner of BrahMos Aerospace, L&T has been closely involved in the design, development and production of the Launchers & Fire Control Systems for naval platforms as well as development and production of key aero-structural sections of the formidable BRAHMOS Weapon System.
BrahMos Aerospace is a joint venture between the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) of India and NPO Mashinostroyenia (NPOM) of Russia and is one of the successful Make-in-India programs in defence. The company was established in India through an inter-Government agreement signed in 1998 between India and the Russian Federation. The company is responsible for designing, developing, producing and marketing the BRAHMOS supersonic cruise missiles with active participation of a consortium of Indian and Russian industries.
