New Delhi.India has now joined the list of selected countries who successfully develop the scramjet engine, counted in the world’s most complex and advanced missile techniques. India has become the fourth country after the US, Russia and China that has successfully introduced its technical ability to the world by successfully testing this state -of -the -art hypersonic engine.

What is scumjet engine?

The scumjet engine ie Supersonic Combustion Ramjet is a rocket engine that can fly at the speed of Mach 5 (five times sound speed) or more. It is more efficient, faster and lighter than traditional rocket engines, as oxygen does not have to be carried along. This technique is used in hypersonic missiles and future space launch vehicles.

India’s scumjet test – HSTDV

India achieved this success through Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle (HSTDV) developed by DRDO (Defense Research and Development Organization). The engine was successfully tested on 7 September 2020, in which the vehicle reached Mach 6 speed. It proved the process of burning fuel from atmospheric air by activating the scumjet engine in a few seconds.

What is its importance?

Defense self -sufficiency: India will now be able to develop hypersonic missiles indigenously in the future, which will reduce dependence on foreign technology.

Space Technology: Scramjet can also be used for reusable space vehicles, which can prove to be a revolutionary step for ISRO.

Strategic edge This technology of India makes it standing in the hypersonic race as compared to the US, Russia and China.