DRDO Achieved a Key Milestone in the Development of Hypersonic Missiles

Syllabus: GS3/Defence

Context

• Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has achieved a key milestone in the development of hypersonic missiles.

About

• DRDO has successfully conducted an extensive long-duration ground test of its Actively Cooled Scramjet Full Scale Combustor at the state-of-the-art Scramjet Connect Pipe Test (SCPT) facility. 
• The trial achieved a run time of over 12 minutes, marking a path-breaking milestone in the development of hypersonic missile technology.
• The test was conducted by the Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), Hyderabad-based premier facility of the DRDO responsible for the design and development of state-of-the-art missile systems and technologies.

Hypersonic Missiles

• The Hypersonic Cruise Missile is capable of exceeding five times the speed of sound (over 6,100 km/hr) for extended periods.
• The speed is achieved through a cutting-edge air-breathing engine, which utilises supersonic combustion to sustain long-duration flight.
• These missiles are also more maneuverable, which allows them to more easily evade air defence systems.
• The two types of hypersonic weapons systems are Hypersonic Glide Vehicles (HGV) and Hypersonic Cruise Missiles.
  • The HGVs are launched from a rocket before gliding to the intended target while HCMs are powered by air-breathing high-speed engines or ‘scramjets’ after acquiring their target.

Types of Missile Systems in India

• Ballistic Missiles: Ballistic missiles are designed to deliver a payload (usually a warhead) over long distances using a ballistic trajectory.
  • Due to their long-range capabilities and substantial payloads, ballistic missiles serve as deterrents and are integral to a nation’s strategic defence posture.
  • Short-Range Ballistic Missiles (SRBM) includes Prithvi I, II, III. 
  • Medium-Range Ballistic Missiles (MRBM) are Agni-I, II, III, IV, V.

• Cruise Missiles: Cruise missiles are guided missiles that use aerodynamic lift to travel through the atmosphere, typically at subsonic or supersonic speeds.
  • Valued for their precision and flexibility, cruise missiles are often employed in tactical scenarios to eliminate specific targets with minimal collateral damage.
  • The Long-Range Cruise Missile is Nirbhay.
  • BrahMos is a supersonic cruise missile.

Source: IE