DRDO Conducts Ground Test for Hypersonic Scramjet Engine

The Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), a facility under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in Hyderabad, has conducted a successful ground test of a Supersonic Combustion Ramjet (Scramjet) engine. The test, which lasted 120 seconds, represents a significant step in the development of hypersonic missile technology in India.

Scramjet engines are air-breathing propulsion systems capable of sustaining combustion at speeds exceeding Mach 5, or five times the speed of sound. Hypersonic technology, pursued by countries such as the United States, Russia, India, and China, is noted for its ability to bypass conventional air defense systems due to its high speed and maneuverability.

During the test, the scramjet engine demonstrated successful ignition and stable combustion, which are critical for its operational use in hypersonic vehicles. The engine employs a novel flame stabilization technique to maintain combustion at airspeeds exceeding 1.5 kilometers per second. Advanced Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations were used to predict and evaluate the engine’s performance.

The development also featured indigenous advancements, including the creation of an endothermic scramjet fuel by DRDL in collaboration with industry partners. This fuel enhances cooling and ignition capabilities and was manufactured to meet stringent industrial requirements.

Another innovation involved the development of a high-performance thermal barrier coating (TBC) designed to withstand extreme temperatures encountered during hypersonic flight. The TBC, made from advanced ceramics, was jointly developed by DRDL and the Department of Science and Technology (DST).

These technological milestones highlight progress toward next-generation hypersonic missile capabilities. The test results will likely inform future advancements in propulsion, thermal management, and combustion stability for hypersonic systems.

The achievement was acknowledged by officials from DRDO, including Secretary of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO, Samir V. Kamat, who commended the DRDL team and industry partners for their contributions.