A ramjet is a simple, air-breathing jet engine with no moving parts (no compressor or turbine) that relies on high forward speed (supersonic, typically Mach 2–5) to “ram” and compress air for combustion.
- The BrahMos is a long-range, ramjet-powered supersonic cruise missile.
What makes them important?
- Unlike traditional rocket motors, which burn fuel quickly and then coast, ramjet-powered missiles can maintain high speeds for much longer durations.
- This will make ramjet faster, more manoeuvrable and significantly harder for enemy aircraft to evade.
- Will give fighter aircraft a decisive edge in beyond-visual-range combat.
Source: The Hindu Business Line