DRDO Conducts Long Scramjet Engine Test

On 9th May 2026, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully carried out a long-duration ground test of an actively cooled full-scale scramjet combustor, marking a major milestone in India’s hypersonic missile development programme.

Key Points

Successful Long-Duration Test: DRDO conducted a scramjet combustor ground test lasting over 1,200 seconds at the Scramjet Connect Pipe Test (SCPT) facility in Hyderabad.
Major Hypersonic Milestone: The achievement strengthens India’s efforts to develop advanced hypersonic cruise missile technology.
Developed by DRDL: The combustor was designed and developed by Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL) with support from Indian industry partners.
Improvement Over Previous Test: The latest test surpassed an earlier successful 700-second test conducted in January 2026.
Advanced Scramjet Technology: The engine uses indigenously developed liquid hydrocarbon endothermic fuel along with high-temperature thermal barrier coatings.
Validation of Cooling System: The trial validated the design and performance of the advanced actively cooled scramjet combustor.
SCPT Facility Capability Proven: The test also demonstrated the capability of India’s state-of-the-art Scramjet Connect Pipe Test facility.
Global Strategic Significance: The successful test places India among a select group of nations developing advanced hypersonic aerospace technologies.