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- Russia has reportedly extended an offer to India for the R-37M missile, one of the top air-to-air missile systems worldwide.
- R-37M Missile Overview:
- The R-37M missile, identified by its NATO codename AA-13 Axehead, is a high-performance long-range air-to-air missile developed by Russia. Its primary purpose is to target enemy fighter jets and drones beyond visual range (BVR).
- It is a modernized version of the older R-33 missile, built to engage high-priority targets like AWACS, tanker aircraft, and other critical support platforms, enabling the launching aircraft to stay safely outside the enemy's fighter aircraft's range.
- Key Features:
- The missile weighs around 510 kilograms and is over 4 meters in length, with a warhead weighing 60 kilograms.
- The guidance system incorporates inertial navigation with mid-course updates, active radar homing for targeting, and semi-active radar guidance for the final interception phase.
- Equipped with a jettisonable rocket booster, the R-37M has a range of 300 to 400 kilometers, making it one of the longest-range air-to-air missiles in active service.
- It can reach hypersonic speeds of up to Mach 6, which is vital for intercepting high-speed targets.
- Astronomers have recently discovered what may be the largest known structure in the universe, named Quipu.
- About Quipu:
- Quipu is a newly identified superstructure where galaxies are arranged in clusters, and those clusters are further grouped into larger superclusters.
- This structure comprises nearly 70 galactic superclusters.
- It holds the title of the largest known structure in the universe by length.
- Stretching an incredible 1.3 billion light-years, Quipu contains an estimated 200 quadrillion solar masses.
- Its length is over 13,000 times that of the Milky Way galaxy.
- In terms of mass, it is hundreds of thousands of times heavier than a single galaxy.
- The name "Quipu" is inspired by the Incan counting system, which used knotted cords to record information. This superstructure features a central filament with numerous branching filaments, much like its namesake.
- Despite its vast scale, Quipu won’t last indefinitely. Scientists predict it will eventually break apart into smaller structures, gradually collapsing over time.
- They view it as a "transient configuration" that will evolve as time progresses.
- By studying Quipu, astronomers hope to improve cosmological models, offering potential new insights into galaxy formation and the dynamics of large-scale cosmic structures.
- Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has recently renamed its advanced HJT-36 jet training aircraft to ‘Yashas’ after undergoing significant upgrades.
- About Yashas:
- The Yashas is the premier jet training aircraft developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
- Formerly known as the Hindustan Jet Trainer (HJT)-36, it has undergone extensive enhancements to improve its departure characteristics and resistance to spins, across the entire operational envelope, prompting the rebranding to ‘Yashas.’
- It is fully capable of Stage II pilot training, offering expertise in various specialized areas, including counter-insurgency, counter-surface force operations, and armament handling.
- Key Features:
- The aircraft has been upgraded with cutting-edge avionics and a modernized cockpit, greatly enhancing both its training efficiency and overall operational performance.
- Weight reduction and the substitution of imported components with indigenous Line Replaceable Units (LRUs) contribute to a more self-sufficient and sustainable system.
- Its capabilities include aerobatics and the carriage of armaments, with a payload capacity of up to 1,000 kg.
- Powered by the advanced AL55I Jet engine, which is controlled by a Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) system, it ensures a superior thrust-to-weight ratio, optimized thrust management, and exceptional reliability.
- Additionally, the aircraft features a redesigned rear cockpit with a drooped nose, improving visibility and providing enhanced situational awareness for the pilot.