Hypersonics.

The successful test of the Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle (HSTDV) by India, last Monday, by integrating the scramjet engine technology is a quantum jump for the country in bolstering its missile capability.

The scramjet is supersonic combustion ramjet engine; the ramjet engine is used in most missiles of the day. It is a variant of a ramjet air breathing jet engine in which combustion takes place in supersonic airflow. Scramjet powered vehicles can operate at speeds up to Mach 15. 

India will now be able to power futuristic missiles to attain speeds of around Mach 6 or six times the speed of sound. Only the US, Russia and China have this capability. It's a precursor to develop the next generation hypersonic cruise missiles. The technology has a wider civil and military use and is definitely a giant leap in indigenous defence technologies.

The DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) was elated by the successful test. The capability will change the profile of Indian missiles. The future missiles will become more lethal by decrease in the length of the vehicle without compromising on the payload.

Vehicles with hypersonic air-breathing propulsion offer additional advantages such as rapid response at long range, increased maneuverability and better survivability.

Tailpiece.

Got up at 6, the chores and was ready by a half past 9. Had cancelled the barber's visit home - at the last moment as Covid is spreading like wildfire and I didn't want to increase our interaction with new sets of people and increase vulnerability.

Today Sri Krishna Janamashtami was celebrated all over Kerala, exactly four weeks after its celebration in the rest of the country. I suppose we, Malayalees, celebrate the 28th day-after-birth of Sri Krishna. It's an auspicious day when the child is given its name. Lekha had made 'paayasam' on the occasion.