Scramjet Engine
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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.

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).
2. A key feature of hypersonic missiles is their Mid-Flight maneuverability, unlike ballistic missiles that follow a fixed path.
3. There are two types of hypersonic weapons:

a. Hypersonic Glide Vehicles (HGVs): Launched by a rocket and then glide to the target.
b. Hypersonic Cruise Missiles (HCMs): Powered by air-breathing engines or “scramjets” after locking onto the target.


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