DRDO Successfully Conducts Flight Test of SFDR Technology in Odisha

Advanced propulsion system to enhance long-range air-to-air missile capabilities

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully carried out a flight test of the Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR) technology on Tuesday, 3 February. The test took place at the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur, located along the coast of Odisha. With this achievement, India has joined a select group of nations possessing this advanced missile propulsion technology.

Flight test meets all mission objectives  

The test was conducted to evaluate the performance of various subsystems integrated in the SFDR system. The system was initially propelled by a ground booster motor designed to accelerate the setup to the required Mach number, after which the SFDR technology was activated. Throughout the test, all critical subsystems performed in accordance with expectations. These included a nozzle-less booster, the solid fuel ducted ramjet motor, and a fuel flow controller.

Monitoring systems installed along the coast and at ITR captured key flight data to ensure the objectives of the mission were met. The test flight was observed using tracking equipment placed strategically to provide accurate telemetry from launch until mission completion.

Strategic advancement for next-generation missile systems

The SFDR propulsion system is a key component in the development of long-range air-to-air missiles. This technology is significant for enhancing air superiority in potential combat scenarios. Unlike conventional systems, SFDR enables missiles to maintain high speeds over longer distances, improving engagement capabilities against high-speed airborne targets.

This success contributes towards bolstering India’s indigenous weapons development efforts and provides a boost to the strategic capabilities of the Indian Armed Forces.

Scientists and defence officials witness successful trial  

Senior scientists from key DRDO laboratories were present during the trial at the Chandipur testing site. These included personnel from the Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL), Research Centre Imarat (RCI), and the Integrated Test Range (ITR).

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO scientists and associated industry partners for the successful demonstration of SFDR technology. Chairman of DRDO and Secretary of the Department of Defence R&D, Dr. Samir V. Kamat, commended all teams involved in the project, acknowledging their contribution to advancing India’s defence capabilities.

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