Description

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Context:

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) recently demonstrated the scramjet combustor ground test for 120 seconds for the first time in India.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has called it a crucial milestone in developing next-generation hypersonic missiles.

About Scramjet Technology Development:

Feature	Details
Developed by	Laboratory of Defense Research and Development (DRDL), Hyderabad.
Focus	The technology of supersonic combustion with long life (scramjet).
Capability	Allows hypersonic speeds (higher than Mach 5).
Advantage	Overcomes traditional air defense systems, making it more difficult to intercept.
Global Context	Nations like the USA, Russia, China, and India are leading in hypersonic weapons development.
Significance of Hypersonic Missiles	Provides fast, powerful strikes while evading current air defense system.
Key Achievements
Endothermic Scramjet Fuel	Developed indigenously by DRDL in collaboration with industrial partners.
Endothermic Scramjet Fuel	Offers dual benefits: significant cooling improvement and easy ignition.
Thermal Barrier Coating (TBC)	Developed using advanced ceramic technology to endure extreme temperatures beyond melting points.
Thermal Barrier Coating (TBC)	Jointly developed by DRDL and DST devices.

Scramjet engine:

Improvements over RamJet: Operates efficiently at hypersonic speeds and enables supersonic combustion.

Function:

Air-breathing motor: operates without moving parts and manipulates supersonic air currents at 1.5 km/s.
Flame Stabilization: Uses innovative techniques to maintain a continuous flame in extreme airflow conditions, likened to "keeping a candle lit in a hurricane".
Advanced computational tools: DRDO used Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations to predict engine performance and improve its design.

Different types of engines:

Aspect	Turbojet	Ramjet	Scramjet
Operation	Compresses air using a turbine; burns fuel	Uses forward motion to compress air	Advanced supersonic combustion ramjet
Speed Efficiency	Subsonic to low supersonic speeds	Supersonic speeds (Mach 3 to Mach 6)	Supersonic speeds (higher than Mach 5)
Combustion Process	Subsonic air combustion	Subsonic combustion with compression	Supersonic air combustion
Air-Fuel Type	Kerosene or hydrocarbons	Aircraft fuel or hydrocarbons; uses oxygen from atmospheric air	Fuel and oxygen from atmospheric air
Moving Parts	Includes turbines and compressors	Without moving parts; uses air compression	Without moving parts; advanced flame stabilization
Operational Ability	Suitable for lower speeds and take-off	Needs to achieve supersonic speeds	Requires assistance to achieve hypersonic speeds
Efficiency	Less effective at high speeds	Effective at sustained supersonic speeds	Extremely effective at hypersonic speeds
Applications	Commercial aircraft, military fighter jets, supersonic flights	Supersonic missiles, space vehicles, weapons	Hypersonic glide vehicles (HGV), hypersonic controlled missiles (HCMs)
Examples	Subsonic missiles, Nirbhay	BrahMos supersonic missile	Hypersonic glide vehicles, hypersonic controlled missiles

READ ABOUT

DRDO UPSC

Source:

Indian Express

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.Scramjet technology represents a significant advancement in hypersonic flight capabilities. Discuss the principles behind scramjet propulsion, its development status, and the potential implications for India's space and defense sectors. (250 words)