With reference to Scramjet engine technology, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. Unlike Ramjet engines, Scramjet engines slow down incoming air to subsonic speeds before combustion.
2. Scramjet engines are air-breathing propulsion systems designed to operate efficiently at speeds of Mach 5 and above.

Question

Accepted Answer

B) 2 only — Statement 1 is incorrect because it is the Ramjet engine that slows incoming air to subsonic speeds before combustion; a Scramjet (Supersonic Combustion Ramjet) maintains supersonic airflow throughout the combustion process. Statement 2 is correct as scramjets are specifically designed to sustain hypersonic speeds (Mach 5+).