News– The Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), a unit of DRDO, recently achieved a successful ground test of a Scramjet Engine, operating for more than 1,000 seconds in Hyderabad. Scramjet Engine.
About Scramjet Engine
- A Scramjet engine (Supersonic Combustion Ramjet) is an improved version of the Ramjet, designed to operate at extremely high speeds.
- A ramjet is an air-breathing jet engine that relies on the vehicle’s forward motion to compress incoming air for combustion, eliminating the need for a rotating compressor. It operates efficiently at supersonic speeds, typically between Mach 3 and Mach 6.
- Scramjet works by using supersonic airflow to generate thrust and functions at hypersonic speeds (Mach 5+).
- Key features:
- Air-Breathing Engine: Unlike traditional rocket engines, Scramjets use atmospheric oxygen for combustion, eliminating the need to carry heavy oxygen tanks.
- No Moving Parts: Scramjets rely on supersonic airflow, making them highly efficient for sustained high-speed travel.
- Significance:
- Next-generation hypersonic missiles with unmatched speed and accuracy.
- Faster air travel, potentially reducing flight times drastically.
- Low-cost satellite launches, making space access more affordable.
| Hypersonic Missiles 1. These missiles can fly at speeds of at least Mach 5 (five times the speed of sound). a. Hypersonic Glide Vehicles (HGVs): Launched by a rocket and then glide to the target. |
