22nd January 2025 (11 Topics)

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DRDO conducts Scramjet Engine Ground Test

Context

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has recently achieved a significant milestone in the development of hypersonic technology. This breakthrough, involving the successful demonstration of a long-duration supersonic combustion ramjet (Scramjet) powered hypersonic technology, has positioned India as a key player in the race for next-generation missile systems.

About Scramjet Technology:

A Scramjet is a type of air-breathing engine that can sustain combustion at supersonic speeds (greater than Mach 5, i.e., over 5,400 km per hour) without the need for any moving parts.
These engines are vital for hypersonic missiles, which are designed to travel at speeds that are more than five times the speed of sound.
Key aspects of Scramjet engines:
- Air-breathing: Unlike traditional rockets that carry their oxidizer, Scramjets rely on atmospheric air for combustion, making them efficient for high-speed flight.
- No moving parts: Scramjets are unique in that they don’t have any moving parts, unlike traditional jet engines, which rely on turbines and compressors.
- High-Speed Combustion: They are designed to work at supersonic and hypersonic speeds (above Mach 5), ensuring efficient combustion and propulsion in such extreme conditions.

Significance of the Development:

Bypassing Air Defence: Hypersonic missiles, which can achieve speeds greater than Mach 5, are difficult to intercept by existing air defense systems. This technology will enable India to develop next-generation missile systems with superior strike capabilities.
Global Competition: Countries like the S., Russia, and China are also in active pursuit of Scramjet technology for their hypersonic missiles, making this development by India crucial for maintaining technological parity in global defense.
Strategic Importance: The development of hypersonic missiles will enhance India’s defense capabilities and strategic deterrence, making it a significant player in the global defense landscape.
Technological Leadership: India’s achievement in developing cutting-edge technologies like the Scramjet engine and the thermal barrier coating showcases the country’s growing technological prowess in aerospace and defense.

Hypersonic Missiles

Hypersonic missiles are a class of advanced weapon systems that travel at speeds greater than Mach 5, which is five times the speed of sound (around 6,200 km/h or 3,853 mph).
These missiles are designed to fly much faster and with more agility than traditional ballistic missiles, which makes them a highly effective and difficult-to-intercept weapon in modern defense systems.
Key Features of Hypersonic Missiles
Speed: Hypersonic missiles travel at speeds greater than Mach 5 (5 times the speed of sound), allowing them to reach their targets in a fraction of the time it would take traditional missiles.
Maneuverability: Unlike traditional ballistic missiles, which follow a predictable, parabolic trajectory, hypersonic missiles use aerodynamic lift to maneuver within the atmosphere. This means they can change course mid-flight, making them much harder to track or intercept. Ballistic missiles, once launched, follow a fixed path and can only change course after re-entry. Hypersonic weapons, on the other hand, can perform evasive maneuvers throughout their flight.
Boost-Glide Technology: Most hypersonic missiles utilize boost-glide. This glide phase allows the missile to alter its course during flight, further complicating interception efforts.
Long Range: Hypersonic missiles can travel distances of thousands of kilometers, which is similar to the range of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs).
Missile Types: There are two main types of hypersonic weapons:
Hypersonic glide vehicles (HGV) are launched using a rocket. After separating from the rocket, the glide vehicle travels at speeds of Mach 5 or more towards its target.
Hypersonic cruise missiles (HCM) use scramjet engines. Scramjets are air-breathing engines designed for speeds above Mach 5 (over 6,100 km/h or 3,800 mph). They compress incoming air and combust fuel at supersonic speeds (faster than the speed of sound, or Mach 1), allowing for high-speed, long-range flight. These missiles are fast, maneuverable, and difficult to intercept.

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GS Analyst: Daily Current Affairs

22nd January 2025 (11 Topics)

Copy

DRDO conducts Scramjet Engine Ground Test

About Scramjet Technology:

Significance of the Development:

Hypersonic Missiles

Still Have Questions?

GS Analyst: Daily Current Affairs

DRDO conducts Scramjet Engine Ground Test

About Scramjet Technology:

Significance of the Development:

Hypersonic Missiles

Still Have Questions?

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