Why is it in the news?
→ DRDO successfully demonstrated SFDR technology from Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, off Odisha coast.
Category
Defence
Important Points
- Advanced air-breathing propulsion system using solid fuel gas generator.
- Developed by Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), Hyderabad with other DRDO labs.
- Demonstration conducted from ITR Chandipur, Odisha.
- Uses solid fuel instead of liquid fuel, making the system simpler, safer, and easier to store and transport.
- Does not carry oxidiser, making it lighter and more efficient than conventional rockets.
- Provides sustained thrust over longer duration with thrust modulation during flight.
- Enables missiles to fly faster, farther, and remain manoeuvrable throughout flight.
- Significantly enhances long-range air-to-air missiles.
- Places India among elite nations possessing SFDR capability.
- Ramjet relies on the missile's forward speed to compress incoming air, eliminating the compressor.
- SFDR technology is primarily applicable to air-to-air missiles.