Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet Technology (SFDR Technology)
The Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) successfully carried out a flight demonstration based on Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR) technology from Integrated Test Range (ITR) Chandipur off the coast of Odisha.
Successful demonstration of Solid Fuel based Ducted Ramjet technology has provided DRDO with a technological advantage which will enable it to develop long range air-to-air missiles. At present, such technology is available only with a handful of countries in the world. During the test, air launch scenario was simulated using a booster motor. Subsequently, the nozzle-less booster accelerated it to the required Mach number for Ramjet operation.
Solid Fuel based Ducted Ramjet technology:
- It is a missile propulsion system developed by DRDO which is known as Ramjet.
- The system is based on a solid fuel that takes oxygen from the air required for combustion of the fuel, which is called air-breathing.
- It is a launching rocket based on nozzle-free motor and booster motor system, using solid fuel.
- It does not require much fuel, which significantly reduces the weight of the missile.
- In the language of science it is called “air-breathing engine” due to the use of air from the atmosphere to increase its speed.
- Unlike solid-propellant rockets, the ramjet takes oxygen from the atmosphere during flight. Thus, it is lighter in weight and has higher fuel efficiency.
Defense Research and Development Organization:
- The Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) works under the administrative control of the Ministry of Defense.
- It is working towards enhancing self-reliance in the production and production of world class weapon systems and equipment as per the requirements of the defense services of the three forces along with the design and development of defense systems.
- DRDO was established in the year 1958 in amalgamation with Defense Science Organization(DSO) with Technical Development Establishment(TDEs) and, Directorate of Technical Development & Production (DTDP).
- This organization has the responsibility of completing the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program.
Uses and Benefits:
- Successful testing of Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR) technology has given India a global technological advantage.
- Using this technology, India will be able to develop long-range air-to-air missiles.
- The weight of a missile or rocket based on Ramjet technology is greatly reduced, mainly because the rocket engine does not require much fuel to provide excessive thrust / power.
- It is notable that in the ramjet technology, oxygen is not carried in the missile or rocket, but the oxygen in the atmosphere is used as fuel.
- As the speed and efficiency of a missile or rocket developed on ramjet technology is high, it costs much less than other popular technologies.
Source – The Hindu
