The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully demonstrated a cutting-edge active cooled scramjet combustor ground test for 120 seconds for the first time in India. This is part of the efforts to develop a long-duration supersonic combustion ramjet or scramjet powered hypersonic technology.
Key Points
- Active Cooled Scramjet Combustor Test
- Conducted for 120 seconds, the test represents a first in India.
- Scramjets are air-breathing engines designed to sustain combustion at supersonic speeds without moving parts. This makes them essential for hypersonic vehicles, ensuring efficient propulsion at extreme speeds.
- Thermal Barrier Coating (TBC)
- A cutting-edge advanced ceramic TBC was developed to endure the extreme thermal conditions encountered during hypersonic flight.
- The coating operates beyond the melting point of steel, enhancing durability and operational efficiency.
- Jointly developed by DRDL and the Department of Science and Technology (DST) Laboratory.
About Hypersonic Technology
- Definition: Hypersonic vehicles operate at speeds greater than Mach 5 (five times the speed of sound), exceeding 5,400 km/hr.
- Global Context
- Nations such as the United States, Russia, and China are also intensively pursuing advancements in hypersonic weaponry.
- Hypersonic missiles offer unparalleled speed and maneuverability, making them harder to detect and counter.
