DRDO Achieves Ground Test of Scramjet Engine
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Synopsis
DRDO has successfully conducted a groundbreaking Active Cooled Scramjet Combustor engine ground test for 120 seconds for the first time in India, marking a significant milestone in hypersonic missile development.
Key Takeaways
- Successful ground test of scramjet engine by DRDO.
- Hypersonic missiles can travel faster than Mach 5.
- Innovative flame stabilization techniques were utilized.
- Indigenous fuel development is a significant breakthrough.
- Advanced thermal barrier coatings were created for extreme conditions.
New Delhi, Jan (NationPress) DRDO has conducted a groundbreaking test of the Active Cooled Scramjet Combustor (engine) for a duration of 120 seconds, marking a first in India.
An official stated that this achievement is a significant milestone in the development of next-generation hypersonic missiles.
Hypersonic missiles are a category of advanced weaponry that move at speeds exceeding Mach 5, which translates to over 5,400 km/hr. These sophisticated weapons are capable of evading current Air Defence Systems and delivering swift, impactful strikes.
The Ministry of Defence reported that several countries, including the US, Russia, India, and China, are actively advancing hypersonic technologies. The core of hypersonic vehicles is Scramjets, which are air-breathing engines that maintain combustion at supersonic speeds without any moving components.
The Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), located in Hyderabad, has spearheaded efforts to develop long-duration Supersonic Combustion Ramjet or Scramjet-powered hypersonic technology. DRDL has recently made significant advancements in these technologies.
The ground test of the scramjet combustor showcased several impressive achievements, including successful ignition and stable combustion, indicating its potential for operational deployment in hypersonic vehicles. Achieving ignition in a scramjet engine is akin to ‘keeping a candle lit in a hurricane’.
The scramjet combustor utilizes an innovative flame stabilization method that maintains a continuous flame within the combustor at airspeeds exceeding 1.5 km/s. Various novel ignition and flame-holding techniques were explored through numerous ground tests to finalize the configuration of the Scramjet Engine.
Advanced Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation tools were employed for evaluation and performance forecasting.
The indigenous development of endothermic scramjet fuel, a first for India, was achieved through collaboration between DRDL and industry partners, which is central to this breakthrough. This fuel provides dual advantages of substantial cooling enhancement and ignition ease.
The team developed a specialized manufacturing process to meet the stringent fuel specifications of DRDL on an industrial scale.
The Ministry of Defence highlighted another significant achievement: the creation of advanced Thermal Barrier Coating (TBC) designed to endure extreme temperatures encountered during hypersonic flight.
A new advanced ceramic TBC, featuring high thermal resistance and capable of functioning beyond the melting point of steel, was jointly developed by DRDL and the Department of Science and Technology (DST) Laboratory.
This coating is applied within the Scramjet engine via specialized deposition methods that enhance performance and longevity. With proven capabilities in stable combustion, improved performance, and advanced thermal management, this breakthrough paves the way for next-generation hypersonic missions.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised DRDO and the industry for the successful scramjet engine ground test.
“This milestone is crucial in the development of future hypersonic missions,” he remarked.
The Secretary of the Department of Defence R and D and Chairman of DRDO, Dr. Samir V Kamat, also congratulated the DRDL team and industry for showcasing capabilities in stable combustion, enhanced performance, and advanced thermal management tests.
