DRDO Achieves Major Milestone in SFDR Missile Propulsion Technology
Context
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has carried out a successful flight validation of Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR) propulsion technology at the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, marking a major milestone in advanced missile propulsion.
Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR): Overview
An advanced air-breathing propulsion system that harnesses oxygen from the atmosphere and regulated solid-fuel combustion to generate continuous thrust at supersonic speeds, ensuring high energy till the final stage of flight.
Origin: Designed and developed indigenously by DRDO.
Operational Principle
Boost phase: A nozzle-less booster accelerates the missile to the required speed envelope.
Air induction: Incoming air is compressed due to the missile’s forward motion.
Fuel ignition: Solid fuel combusts inside the duct under controlled conditions.
Cruise propulsion: Continuous thrust sustains velocity and manoeuvrability up to target interception.
Salient Attributes
Atmospheric oxygen usage: Eliminates the need for onboard oxidiser, increasing efficiency.
Continuous propulsion: Maintains supersonic velocity over long distances.
High impact capability: Preserves kinetic energy during terminal approach.
Agile terminal manoeuvres: Enhances ability to defeat enemy countermeasures.
Extended engagement range: Lower energy losses improve reach.
Domestic mastery of high-Mach combustion: Demonstrates advanced indigenous engineering.
Strategic Relevance
Next-generation air-to-air missiles: Supports development of long-range BVR weapons.
Edge in aerial combat: Improves first-strike and survivability potential of fighter aircraft.
Boost to self-reliance: Strengthens India’s indigenous defence technology base.
Source : PIB