All the subsystems performed as expected during the flight demonstration

By successfully conducting a flight demonstration based on the Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR) technology, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has moved a step closer to developing long range air-to-air missiles. At present, this technology is available only with a handful of countries in the world.

All the subsystems, including the booster motor and nozzle-less motor, performed as expected during the successful flight demonstration from the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur off the coast of Odisha.

During the test, many new technologies were proven, including the SFDR technology, the Ministry of Defence said.

"Successful demonstration of Solid Fuel based Ducted Ramjet technology has provided DRDO with a technological advantage which will enable it to develop long range air-to-air missiles," the ministry said in a statement.

The air launch scenario was simulated using a booster motor. Subsequently, the nozzle-less booster accelerated it to the required Mach number for Ramjet operation.

Monitoring of the performance of the missile using the data captured by Electro Optical, Radar and Telemetry instruments deployed by ITR confirmed successful demonstration of the mission objectives.

The launch was monitored by senior scientists of various DRDO labs, including Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL), Research Centre Imarat (RCI) and High Energy Materials Research Laboratory(HEMRL).

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the scientists of DRDO,Indian Air Force and the Industry on the successful flight test of SFDR.