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New Delhi. India has made a major achievement in the direction of hypersonic missile technology. Defense Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) of Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) has successfully tested an actively cooled full-scale scramjet combustor for more than 1200 seconds. The test was conducted at the Hyderabad-based SCPT facility, which is considered important for India’s hypersonic cruise missile program.

Defense Minister Rajnath praised DRDO, scientists, industry partners and universities, calling this success a historic step for India’s defense capability.

Engine ran for 20 minutes

According to DRDO, the scramjet combustor worked successfully continuously for 1200 seconds i.e. about 20 minutes. Earlier in January, the same technology was tested for 700 seconds. This time the testing period was almost double, which is being considered a big technical achievement.

What is scramjet technology?

Scramjet i.e. supersonic ramjet engine is such a state-of-the-art technology that works at hypersonic speed. This engine takes in air at very high speed, heats it and produces energy from it. Scramjet engines can operate at extremely high altitudes and at extremely high speeds compared to normal jet engines.

How fast is a hypersonic missile?

Hypersonic missiles can fly at five times the speed of sound or more. That means it achieves speeds greater than Mach 5.

Such missiles are considered extremely difficult to intercept as they reach the target in a very short time and have the ability to dodge radar systems.

completely indigenous technology

DRDO said that the major technologies used in this scramjet combustor are completely indigenous. It used liquid hydrocarbon exothermic fuel, high temperature protective coatings and state-of-the-art manufacturing techniques. Indian industries and universities also cooperated in its development.

Army will get big strategic advantage

Experts believe that if India successfully develops hypersonic cruise missile, the strike capability of the Indian Army will increase manifold. Such missiles are capable of penetrating the enemy air defense system and hitting the target in a very short time.

India in the club of selected countries

Only a few countries in the world currently have hypersonic weapons technology, which include the United States, Russia and China. After this success, India also seems to be moving forward rapidly in the ranks of countries having this strategic technology.

DRDO Chief Sameer V. Kamat has congratulated the entire team, calling this achievement the result of hard work of scientists and engineers.