India’s Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) on Wednesday had successfully flight tested SFDR (Solid Fuel Deducted Ramjet) based missile system. As expected the missile perfectly flew in its trajectory path with a speed of Mach 3 (thrice the speed of sound).
The project was started in May 2013 with the aim of developing a new propulsion technology, which can operate at varying altitudes and speeds. This technology could be the basis for future air to air, surface to air and air to ground missiles.
SFDR propulsion was jointly developed and demonstrated by India and Russia.
India’s ASTRA missile is currently used in Sukhoi (Soviet, and later a Russian aircraft manufacturer Company). SFDR aka Astra-2 is India’s next gen beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM). ASTRA can be upgraded to astra-2 by incorporating SFDR technology.
SFDR will have a range of 120 km at 8 km altitude with faster acceleration phase due to ducted ramjet propulsion technology. It gets its final thrust as it appears very close to the target, reducing chances of missing target.
Such kind of technology will definitely boost up any defence system along with economic benefit.
Written by Khusbhu Mathur
Edited by Moumita Mazumdar
A physicist turned science communicator, who loves to explore various science activities happening from around the world, and present them in simple words and thoughts through her writing skills. She also have an experience in editing and formatting manuscripts, author-reviewer communication, and report preparation for scientific Journals. She is seeking to explore numerous science communication opportunities through as many diverse ways as possible.