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What is a Scramjet Engine?

22-01-2025

06:30 AM

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1 min read
What is a Scramjet Engine? Blog Image

Overview:

Recently, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully carried out a cutting-edge Active Cooled Scramjet Combustor ground test for 120 seconds for the first time.

About Scramjet Engine:

  • It is an upgraded version of the Ramjet and generates thrust through supersonic air flow and combustion.
  • It moves at hypersonic speed and performs best at high speeds, greater than Mach 5.
    • Hypersonic missiles are a class of advanced weaponry that travel at speeds greater than Mach 5 i.e., five times the speed of sound or more than 5,400 km/hr.
    • These advanced weapons have the potential to bypass existing Air Defence Systems and deliver rapid and high-impact strikes.
    • Several nations including USA, Russia, India and China are actively pursuing Hypersonic technology.
    • The key to hypersonic vehicles is Scramjets, which are air breathing engines capable of sustaining combustion at supersonic speeds without using any moving parts. 
  • Developed by:Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL), a Hyderabad-based laboratory of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has taken the initiative in developing a long-duration Supersonic Combustion Ramjet or Scramjet powered Hypersonic technology.
  • Significance: The successful ground test marks a crucial milestone in developing next-generation hypersonic missiles, faster civilian air transportation and facilities for putting satellites into orbit at a low cost.

Q1: What is a scramjet engine?

A scramjet (supersonic combustion ramjet) is an engine designed for speeds beyond Mach 5, which mixes fuel into air flowing through it at supersonic speeds; it is intended for hypersonic aircraft.

Source: PIB