DRDL achieves breakthrough 12‑minute scramjet test for Hypersonic Missiles
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Defence technology· Prelims + Mains·
Why in news
DRDL, a laboratory of DRDO, successfully conducted a 12-minute ground test of its Actively Cooled Scramjet Full-Scale Combustor to advance India's Hypersonic Cruise Missile Development Programme.
Background
The test was conducted at the Scramjet Connect Pipe Test (SCPT) facility. It involved an Actively Cooled Scramjet Full-Scale Combustor and lasted over 12 minutes. The achievement supports the Hypersonic Cruise Missile Development Programme.
Facts for Prelims
- S&TDRDL: A laboratory under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
- FactThe ground test of the Actively Cooled Scramjet Full-Scale Combustor lasted over 12 minutes
- S&TSCPT: The facility used for the Scramjet Connect Pipe Test
For Mains
Q. Discuss the strategic significance of hypersonic technology in modern warfare and the challenges involved in developing indigenous scramjet engines for India.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Technological hurdle: Managing extreme thermal stresses and combustion stability in scramjet engines
- Strategic parity: Reducing reliance on imported high-speed missile systems for rapid strike capabilities
Keywords: Hypersonic technology · Scramjet engine · Defence indigenisation · Strategic autonomy · Aerospace engineering
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This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.