DRDL’s Groundbreaking Active Cooled Scramjet Engine Test

The Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL), a Hyderabad-based facility under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has made significant strides in developing next-generation hypersonic technology. This advanced technology revolves around the Supersonic Combustion Ramjet (Scramjet), a revolutionary propulsion system designed for hypersonic missiles. Recently, DRDL achieved a historic milestone by successfully conducting a ground test of an Active Cooled Scramjet Combustor for 120 seconds, marking a first for India. This accomplishment brings India closer to operationalizing hypersonic missiles capable of unprecedented speed and agility.

What Are Hypersonic Missiles?

Hypersonic missiles represent a class of advanced weaponry that travel at speeds greater than Mach 5 (five times the speed of sound), exceeding 5,400 km/hr. Their unique capability lies in their ability to evade existing air defense systems, enabling them to deliver rapid and high-impact strikes. Nations such as the USA, Russia, China, and India are actively pursuing the development of hypersonic technologies due to their transformative impact on modern warfare.

The Role of Scramjet Engines in Hypersonic Technology

At the heart of hypersonic vehicles are Scramjets, air-breathing engines that sustain combustion at supersonic speeds without requiring moving parts. Unlike traditional engines, scramjets rely on their ability to compress and ignite air as it flows through the engine at extremely high speeds. This makes the ignition process in a scramjet engine comparable to “keeping a candle lit in a hurricane.”

Key Achievements of the Active Cooled Scramjet Ground Test

The recent scramjet combustor ground test showcased several critical advancements:

• Successful Ignition and Stable Combustion: Achieving and maintaining combustion at air speeds exceeding 1.5 km/s demonstrates the engine’s potential for operational use in hypersonic vehicles.
• Innovative Flame Stabilization Technique: A novel technique was developed to ensure continuous flame stability inside the combustor, a major challenge in scramjet technology.
• Advanced Computational Tools: Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations played a crucial role in evaluating and predicting engine performance during the development phase.

These achievements underscore India’s growing expertise in hypersonic propulsion systems.

Indigenous Development of Endothermic Scramjet Fuel

A pivotal factor in this breakthrough was the development of an indigenous endothermic scramjet fuel, a first for India. Jointly developed by DRDL and Indian industry, this fuel offers dual advantages:

1. Significant Cooling Improvement: The fuel enhances thermal management by absorbing and dissipating heat generated during high-speed combustion.
2. Ease of Ignition: It meets the stringent requirements of scramjet operation, ensuring consistent performance.

To meet these demands, DRDL developed a specialized manufacturing process capable of producing the fuel on an industrial scale.

Thermal Barrier Coating: A Technological Marvel

One of the most challenging aspects of hypersonic flight is managing the extreme temperatures generated by speeds exceeding Mach 5. To address this, DRDL, in collaboration with the Department of Science & Technology (DST) Laboratory, developed a state-of-the-art Thermal Barrier Coating (TBC). Key features of this innovation include:

• Advanced Ceramic Composition: The coating can withstand temperatures beyond the melting point of steel, offering unparalleled thermal resistance.
• Specialized Deposition Techniques: The coating is applied inside the scramjet engine using unique methods to enhance its performance and longevity.

Strategic Implications and Future Prospects

The demonstrated capabilities in stable combustion, advanced thermal management, and indigenous fuel development mark a crucial milestone in the journey toward operational hypersonic missiles. These breakthroughs position India among the global leaders in hypersonic technology.

Acknowledgments and Recognitions

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh lauded DRDO and the Indian industry for their contributions to this technological feat. He emphasized that this achievement represents a pivotal moment in India’s defense capabilities.

Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO, also congratulated the DRDL team and their industry partners for their pioneering work in scramjet technology. He highlighted the importance of stable combustion, enhanced performance, and advanced thermal management as cornerstones of this success.

Summary of the News

Aspect	Details
Why in News?	DRDL successfully conducted a ground test of an Active Cooled Scramjet Combustor for 120 seconds, marking India’s first step toward hypersonic missiles.
What are Hypersonic Missiles?	Advanced weaponry traveling at speeds > Mach 5 (> 5,400 km/hr), evading air defense systems for rapid and high-impact strikes.
Scramjet Engine Role	Air-breathing engines sustaining combustion at supersonic speeds without moving parts, compressing and igniting air during high-speed flow.
Key Achievements	– Successful ignition and stable combustion at air speeds > 1.5 km/s. – Novel flame stabilization technique. – Advanced CFD simulation tools.
Indigenous Scramjet Fuel	– Endothermic scramjet fuel developed by DRDL and Indian industry. – Improves thermal management and enhances ignition consistency.
Thermal Barrier Coating (TBC)	– Advanced ceramic composition withstands extreme temperatures. – Specialized deposition methods enhance engine performance and durability.
Strategic Implications	Positions India among global leaders in hypersonic technology with advancements in stable combustion, thermal management, and indigenous fuel.
Acknowledgments	– Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh and DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V. Kamat lauded the achievement.