Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding India's hypersonic missile technology?
1. Hypersonic cruise missiles are typically powered by scramjet engines, which maintain supersonic airflow through the combustion chamber.
2. Unlike traditional ballistic missiles, hypersonic missiles do not follow a predictable parabolic trajectory.

Question

Accepted Answer

C. Both 1 and 2 — Statement 1 is correct; scramjets (supersonic combustion ramjets) rely on high vehicle speed to compress incoming air, and airflow remains supersonic throughout the engine. Statement 2 is also correct; hypersonic weapons are highly maneuverable mid-flight, allowing them to evade radar tracking and interceptors, unlike the predictable arc of ballistic missiles.

Maiden Flight Trial of Long-Range Hypersonic Missile

SC Constitution Bench Hears Presidential Reference