Hypersonic missiles are the future of military technology, capable of flying at Mach 5, or five times the speed of sound. Such missiles have attracted the attention of major military powers, as they could evade the present missile defence systems due to their high speeds, maneuverability, and low-altitude flight profiles.
Recently, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) of India took an important step forward in this area by successfully testing an actively cooled combustor for a scramjet engine, a crucial milestone in next-generation hypersonic missiles.
What are Hypersonic Missiles?
Hypersonic missiles are advanced weapon systems that travel at speeds above Mach 5. Their unique characteristics include:
Speed: Hypersonic missiles travel at more than Mach 5, and therefore reach targets much faster than regular missiles.
Maneuverability: Ballistic missiles are known to take a predictable trajectory; hypersonic missiles, however, can change course mid-air. This makes it very difficult for an interceptor to catch up to it.
Altitude: It travels at relatively lower altitudes than a conventional missile, thereby evading detection by radar.
All these capabilities make hypersonic missiles a serious threat to existing air defence systems.
Recent Test by DRDO
On January 22, 2025, DRDO successfully ground-tested an active cooled combustor for a scramjet engine. This was the first such test in India and lasted for 120 seconds. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted that this marks a major milestone in India's efforts towards developing hypersonic missiles.
Key Details of the Test
Duration: The combustor was tested for 120 seconds.
Technology: It is an air-breathing scramjet engine with moving parts that allows the combustion at supersonic speed.
Achievements: The test exhibited ignition and sustained combustion, the crucial requirements for operational hypersonic vehicles.
Significance of Scramjet Technology
The scramjet engine is the core technology for hypersonic missiles. It is a type of engine that can allow efficient combustion at high speeds and is fundamental to the development of hypersonic vehicles. According to a DRDO official, "maintaining ignition in a scramjet is like trying to keep a candle lit in a hurricane."
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Advantages of Indigenous Development
The indigenous development of endothermic scramjet fuel by DRDL and industry partners has been central to this breakthrough. This fuel provides:
Cooling Improvements: Enhanced cooling capabilities are critical for maintaining engine performance at hypersonic speeds.
Ease of Ignition: Simplified ignition processes facilitate more reliable engine operation.
Several countries, including the United States, Russia, China, and India, are actively pursuing hypersonic technology. The race to develop these advanced systems underscores their strategic importance in modern warfare.
| Feature | Hypersonic Missiles | Traditional Missiles |
| Speed | > Mach 5 | < Mach 5 |
| Flight Path | Maneuverable | Predictable |
| Altitude | Low | High |
| Defense Evasion Capability | High | Moderate |
DRDO's successful test of the active cooled combustor is a pivotal step toward advancing India's capabilities in hypersonic missile technology. As nations continue to invest in this area, the implications for global military dynamics will be profound.
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