Scramjet Engine Development

Scramjet Engine Development: DRDO successfully conducted a 1,000-second ground test of its actively cooled scramjet combustor, marking a major milestone in India’s hypersonic weapons programme.

o The latest test was conducted at the newly established Scramjet Connect Test Facility of the Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL) in Hyderabad, a premier institution under DRDO.

• About Scramjet Engine: Stands for Supersonic Combusting Ramjet is an advanced air-breathing engine that enables supersonic combustion and operates efficiently at hypersonic speeds (above Mach 5 or 6,100 km/h).

o It uses atmospheric oxygen for combustion, reducing the need for onboard oxidizers and improving fuel efficiency at high speeds.

o About DRDO: Established in 1958 by merging the Technical Development Establishment (TDEs) of the Indian Army, Directorate of Technical Development & Production (DTDP), and the Defence Science Organisation (DSO).

o Headed by: Secretary, Department of Defence R&D, and Director General (DG) of DRDO.

o Assistance: The DG is assisted by Chief Controllers, who manage various technology domains.