Scramjet Engine

23.01.2025

Scramjet Engine

Why in the news?                        

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 the 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.

                                                                Source: PIB

Consider the following statements regarding the Scramjet Engine:

1. It generates thrust through supersonic air flow and combustion.

2. It can be used in next-generation hypersonic missiles and faster civilian air transportation.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 only

B.2 only

C.Both 1 and 2

D.Neither 1 nor 2

Answer C