Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR) Technology:
The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) has carried out successful demonstration of Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR) technology from the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur off the coast of Odisha.
- It is an advanced air-breathing propulsion system using a solid fuel gas generator.
- It uses solid Fuel instead of liquid fuel that makes the system simpler, safer, and easier to store and transport.
- Unlike conventional rockets, SFDR does not carry an oxidiser, making it lighter and more efficient.
- SFDR provides sustained thrust over a longer duration and allows thrust modulation during flight.
- The SFDR system allows missiles to fly faster, farther and remain manoeuvrable throughout their flight, unlike conventional rocket-powered missiles.
- It has been developed by Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), Hyderabad in collaboration with other DRDO laboratories.
- It significantly enhances long-range air-to-air missiles by providing sustained propulsion throughout much of the missile’s flight.
- It places India into an elite league of nations possessing this technology that enables developing long-range air-to-air missiles to give tactical edge over the adversaries.
- Ramjet is a propulsion system that relies on the missile’s high forward speed to compress incoming air, eliminating the need for a compressor and enabling efficient high-speed flight.
