- Context (PIB): The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully demonstrated Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR) technology at the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur.
- This achievement places India among an elite group of nations with advanced air-breathing missile propulsion systems.
About Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR) Technology
- The SFDR functions as an air-breathing jet engine that uses the vehicle’s forward motion to compress incoming air for combustion, without rotating compressors.
- Air-Breathing: It extracts oxygen from the atmosphere instead of carrying an internal oxidiser, reducing missile weight while increasing fuel capacity.
- System Design: The system utilises a solid propellant that reacts with high-pressure air from the intake ducts to provide sustained high speed.
- Initial Acceleration: SFDR technologies generally use a nozzleless booster to accelerate the missile to the supersonic speeds required for ramjet operation.
- Key Benefits: SFDR missiles provide supersonic propulsion for extended-range and superior terminal agility, expanding the point of no return for long-range targets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is SFDR technology?
SFDR is an advanced air-breathing missile propulsion system that enables sustained supersonic flight.
Q. Why is SFDR technology in news?
India successfully demonstrated SFDR technology, marking a major milestone in missile propulsion.
Q. Which organisation developed SFDR technology in India?
SFDR technology was developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation.
Q. Where was the SFDR test conducted?
The test was conducted at the Integrated Test Range.
Q. What type of engine is SFDR?
SFDR functions as an air-breathing ramjet engine without rotating compressors.
