Hypersonic missile programme: DRDO reports 1,200-second scramjet combustor test in Hyderabad

India’s hypersonic missile programme advanced after DRDO reported a long-duration test of an actively cooled, full-scale scramjet combustor at Defence Research and Development Laboratory, Hyderabad. The run exceeded 1,200 seconds, validating sustained performance under extreme thermal loads needed for hypersonic cruise missiles, and builds on a January test that passed 700 seconds.

DRDO said a long-duration ground test of an actively cooled, full-scale scramjet combustor has succeeded. The defence ministry called it a major step for India’s hypersonic missile programme. Officials said active cooling is vital for hypersonic cruise missiles. It helps the weapon cover hundreds of miles at very high speed.

The test took place at the Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) in Hyderabad. The ministry said the combustor ran continuously for over 1,200 seconds, or 20 minutes. Officials said this run-time checked whether the engine can handle extreme heat. Such thermal loads are expected during hypersonic flight.

DRDO hypersonic missile programme test results

A run-time of over 1,200 seconds was recorded at the scramjet connect pipe test (SCPT) facility. The ministry said the test happened on May 9 in Hyderabad. It followed an earlier scramjet combustor test that ran for over 700 seconds. That earlier trial took place in January this year.

The defence ministry said the long run proved the design of the advanced active cooled scramjet combustor. It also said the trial checked the performance of the state-of-art test facility. The ministry added that these ground tests help confirm the engine’s ability. They focus on sustaining high heat over long periods.

DRDO hypersonic missile programme and DRDL role

The ministry described DRDL as a premier DRDO laboratory working on such systems. It said DRDL achieved an important milestone with the long-duration test. The statement also said the outcome supports hypersonic cruise missile development. Officials linked the result to future work on sustained hypersonic propulsion.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, industry partners and academia for the ground test. He said the achievement was a solid base for the nation’s hypersonic cruise missile programme. The ministry said the successful test places India among leaders in advanced aerospace capability. It also linked the work to emerging war technologies.

With inputs from PTI