Q81. Which statement correctly identifies the developing agency of the Arjun MBT?
Defence and Space Technology in India: RAS Prelims MCQs
195 RAS Prelims MCQs on defence and space technology in India cover DRDO, the missile programme, nuclear policy and space missions. The founding year of DRDO, its motto, the five missiles of the IGMDP, Agni-V, the Nuclear Doctrine and the major ISRO missions are asked as facts, and each explanation connects the system to its purpose.
Practice questions based on the RPSC RAS Prelims syllabus. They follow the exam pattern but are not past-paper questions.
Showing 81–90 of 195 questions
Q82. The Arjun Mk-1 tank falls under which weight category of battle tanks?
Explanation
Due to its extensive armor and large main gun, this main battle tank is one of the heaviest in the world. Weighing over sixty-five tons, it provides exceptional crew protection and firepower. However, this weight also presents challenges for transport and movement across certain types of terrain. It is categorized as a heavy tank, distinguishing it from the lighter platforms often used in mountainous regions or for rapid deployment missions.
Q83. Consider the following statements:
Statement I: Kanchan armour used in the Arjun tank is a type of explosive reactive armour (ERA) exclusively.
Statement II: Kanchan armour is an advanced composite armour that provides protection against both kinetic energy and chemical energy rounds.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Statement I: Kanchan armour used in the Arjun tank is a type of explosive reactive armour (ERA) exclusively.
Statement II: Kanchan armour is an advanced composite armour that provides protection against both kinetic energy and chemical energy rounds.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
This advanced protection system is a composite material rather than just a layer of explosive reactive blocks. It is designed to withstand multiple types of anti-tank rounds, including those that use high-speed penetrators or shaped charges. By layering different materials, it provides superior defense compared to traditional steel armor. This indigenous development was a critical breakthrough that allowed the national main battle tank to achieve high levels of survivability on the battlefield.
Q84. The 120mm rifled gun of the Arjun MBT fires a specialized anti-tank kinetic energy penetrator round conceptually known as:
Explanation
This specialized ammunition is designed to penetrate the thickest enemy armor using kinetic energy. It features a long, dense rod that is stabilized in flight by fins after the surrounding casing is shed upon leaving the barrel. This type of round is the primary tool for a main battle tank to engage and destroy other tanks at long distances. It utilizes the high muzzle velocity provided by the tank’s rifled gun for maximum effect.
Q85. Which of the following is an incorrect statement regarding the upgrades in the Arjun Mk-1A variant compared to the Mk-1?
Explanation
The updated version of the main battle tank actually incorporates many new features that have increased its weight rather than reducing it. It includes an enhanced capability for identifying and engaging targets, as well as improvements to its suspension and mine-clearing tools. These additions make it more effective in combat but also place it firmly in the heavy category. Claims of a significant weight reduction to fifty tons are factually incorrect.
Q86. The propulsion for the original Arjun Mk-1 tank is provided by a diesel engine originally sourced from which country?
Explanation
The propulsion system for the original version of this indigenous tank was sourced from a leading European manufacturer known for high-performance diesel engines. This powerful motor provides the necessary mobility for the heavy armored vehicle. While other components of the tank are developed domestically, the engine was one of the key imported subsystems integrated into the design. Efforts are continuing to further increase the indigenous content of future powerplants for the tank series.
Q87. Which of the following is the odd one out as it is not a tank in service with or developed by the Indian Army?
Explanation
This particular armored vehicle is a well-known main battle tank developed and used by various European nations. It is not part of the Indian military’s inventory, which primarily consists of domestic designs like the Arjun and Zorawar, as well as licensed versions of the T-series. The other tanks listed are either currently in service or in various stages of development for the national ground forces, making the European model the exception.
Q88. Consider the following statements regarding the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas:
I. It has a tailless delta wing design.
II. It is a twin-engine heavy fighter aircraft.
III. It features a quadruplex fly-by-wire flight control system.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. It has a tailless delta wing design.
II. It is a twin-engine heavy fighter aircraft.
III. It features a quadruplex fly-by-wire flight control system.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
This modern fighter jet features a single-engine design and a specialized wing shape that lacks a traditional tail. It utilizes a sophisticated electronic control system to maintain stability and agility during flight. This technology replaces mechanical links with digital signals, allowing for precise handling. While it is a highly capable combat aircraft, it is categorized as a light fighter rather than a heavy twin-engine platform. Statements claiming it has two engines are incorrect.
Q89. The following question consists of two statements, Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Answer the question by selecting the appropriate option.
Assertion (A): The LCA Tejas is designed with a statically unstable aerodynamic configuration.
Reason (R): Static instability intentionally enhances the aircraft’s maneuverability and agility during combat.
Assertion (A): The LCA Tejas is designed with a statically unstable aerodynamic configuration.
Reason (R): Static instability intentionally enhances the aircraft’s maneuverability and agility during combat.
Explanation
The design of this combat aircraft intentionally makes it unstable in flight. This aerodynamic characteristic allows the plane to change direction much more rapidly than a traditional stable design, giving it superior agility in dogfights. To manage this instability and make the aircraft flyable for the pilot, a sophisticated computer-based control system is used. This combination of aerodynamic instability and advanced electronic control is a hallmark of modern high-performance fighter jets.
Q90. The LCA Tejas was primarily designed by which agency?
Explanation
The responsibility for the design and program management of this indigenous light fighter was assigned to a specialized agency created for this purpose. This body worked closely with various research laboratories and manufacturing units to bring the complex project to fruition. While other entities are involved in the actual production of the aircraft, this agency remains the primary designer and authority for the ongoing development of the fighter’s different versions and upgrades.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 81 | (d) Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (CVRDE) under DRDO |
| 82 | (c) Heavy tank (over 65 tons) |
| 83 | (b) Statement II is correct but Statement I is incorrect. |
| 84 | (d) Fin Stabilised Armour Piercing Discarding Sabot (FSAPDS) |
| 85 | (a) Its overall weight has been significantly reduced to 50 tons. |
| 86 | (c) Germany |
| 87 | (a) Leopard |
| 88 | (b) I and III only |
| 89 | (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. |
| 90 | (c) Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) |
Key facts from Defence and Space Technology in India
- The Defence Research and Development Organisation was established in 1958; its motto is Balasya Mulam Vigyanam.
- The five core missiles of the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme are Prithvi, Agni, Trishul, Nag and Akash, remembered as PATNA.
- The IGMDP was reinforced by the limits of the Missile Technology Control Regime; Dr A. P. J. Abdul Kalam is called the Missile Man of India.
- Agni-V is an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile; the Prithvi is a surface-to-surface battlefield missile.
- India formally adopted its Nuclear Doctrine in 2003.
- The Atmanirbhar Bharat reforms opened the space sector to private participation.
Frequently asked questions
How many RAS Prelims practice MCQs are there on Defence and Space Technology in India?
This page has 195 practice MCQs on Defence and Space Technology in India (Science and Technology). Each has the correct answer, and most have an explanation.
When was DRDO established?
In 1958. It is the research and development wing of the Ministry of Defence, and its motto is Balasya Mulam Vigyanam, meaning the source of strength is science.
What does PATNA stand for?
The five core missile systems of the IGMDP: Prithvi, Agni, Trishul, Nag and Akash. The programme was led by Dr A. P. J. Abdul Kalam and launched in 1983.
What is the category of the Agni-V missile?
An Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM), with a range of more than 5,000 km. It can carry a payload of around 1,500 kg, and it can carry multiple warheads, which makes it a strategic weapon.