By Nethra Sailesh
The Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), the Hyderabad-based facility of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), conducted a successful ground test of the Active Cooled Scramjet Combustor. The 120 second test marks a significant milestone for developing next-generation hypersonic missiles in the country.
DRDL is a Hyderabad-based facility of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) that worked on the development of scramjet-powered hypersonic technology. Scramjets are air-breathing engines that allow travel at hypersonic speeds as well as supersonic combustion. This is a key component to hypersonic vehicles, which can travel five times the speed of sound.
The test conducted proved that the scramjet could be used for hypersonic missiles and displayed successful ignition and stable combustion. Additionally, as reported by the Ministry of Defence (MoD), the test also utilised an indigenously developed endothermic scramjet fuel made jointly by DRDO and their industry partners, which was another significant milestone. The fuel has the dual function of cooling the engine and also easing the ignition.
Moreover, the facility also developed a thermal barrier coating (TBC) that can endure extremely high temperatures during hypersonic flight. The Ministry also noted that the TBC can operate beyond the melting point of steel and was developed jointly by DRDL and the Department of Science and Technology (DST).
Hypersonic weapons can bypass major air defence systems and carry out high-impact strikes.
Numerous nuclear power nations, such as the USA, China, and Russia, have also made strides in developing hypersonic technology.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh acknowledged this test and said, “The achievement marks a crucial milestone in the development of next-generation hypersonic missiles.” Secretary, Department of Defence R&D, and Chairman DRDO, Dr. Samir V. Kamat, also congratulated the DRDL team and industry for the successful test.