The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IITK) has achieved a significant milestone by establishing and testing India’s first Hypervelocity Expansion Tunnel Test Facility. This facility, named S2, enhances India’s capabilities in hypersonic testing, putting the country among a select group with such advanced capabilities.
Overview of S2 Facility
- Location: The facility is located at IIT Kanpur’s Hypersonic Experimental Aerodynamics Laboratory (HEAL) within the Department of Aerospace Engineering.
- Capabilities: S2 is capable of generating flight speeds between 3-10 km/s, simulating hypersonic conditions relevant to various applications such as atmospheric entry of vehicles, asteroid entry, scramjet flights, and ballistic missiles.
- Significance: It serves as a vital test facility for ongoing missions of organizations like ISRO and DRDO, including projects like Gaganyaan, RLV, and hypersonic cruise missiles.
Development and Funding
- Indigenous Development: S2, also known as ‘Jigarthanda,’ was indigenously designed and developed over three years.
- Support: The project received funding and support from the Aeronautical Research and Development Board (ARDB), the Department of Science and Technology (DST), and IIT Kanpur.
Statements from Key Figures
- Professor S Ganesh, Director, IIT Kanpur:
- Commends the milestone achievement, emphasizing its significance for IIT Kanpur and India’s scientific prowess.
- Acknowledges Professor Sugarno and his team for their exemplary work in fabricating the facility.
- Professor Mohammed Ibrahim Sugarno, Associate Professor, Department of Aerospace Engineering:
- Describes the challenges faced during the development, particularly with the ‘free piston driver’ system.
- Highlights the team’s pride in overcoming challenges and contributing to India’s position in global hypersonic research.
- Professor Tarun Gupta, Dean, Research and Development, IIT Kanpur:
- Recognizes S2 as a testament to IIT Kanpur’s research excellence and its role in advancing aerospace technology.
- Appreciates the support received from ARDB and DST for the project.
- Professor G. M. Kamath, Head, Department of Aerospace Engineering, IIT Kanpur:
- Emphasizes the significance of S2 in expanding research horizons and inspiring future generations in aerospace technology.
- Views the facility as setting a new benchmark for hypervelocity research in India and globally.
Implications and Future Prospects
- Capacity Boost: S2 represents a significant capacity boost for India’s space and defense sectors.
- Technology Development: With domestic hypervelocity testing capabilities, India is poised to develop advanced hypersonic technologies and systems.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) with Answers:
- What is the name of India’s first Hypervelocity Expansion Tunnel Test Facility?
- A) S1
- B) S2
- C) HEAL
- D) Jigarthanda
- Answer: B) S2
- Which organization provided funding and support for the development of the S2 facility?
- A) ISRO
- B) DRDO
- C) ARDB, DST, and IIT Kanpur
- D) NASA
- Answer: C) ARDB, DST, and IIT Kanpur
- Who led the team responsible for designing and fabricating the S2 facility?
- A) Professor S Ganesh
- B) Professor Mohammed Ibrahim Sugarno
- C) Professor Tarun Gupta
- D) Professor G. M. Kamath
- Answer: B) Professor Mohammed Ibrahim Sugarno
- What is the main challenge faced during the development of the S2 facility?
- A) Lack of funding
- B) Location constraints
- C) Perfecting the ‘free piston driver’ system
- D) Political interference
- Answer: C) Perfecting the ‘free piston driver’ system