---
title: "HSTDV: India's Hypersonic Demonstrator | Model Diplomat"
description: "The HSTDV is DRDO's scramjet demonstrator that flew at Mach 6 in 2020, validating air-breathing hypersonic propulsion—key for UPSC GS3 defence prep."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/hypersonic-technology-demonstrator-vehicle"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- The HSTDV is an Indian unmanned scramjet-powered demonstrator developed by the DRDO to validate technologies for hypersonic cruise vehicles and air-breathing propulsion.
- How does the HSTDV differ from a hypersonic glide vehicle?
- Is the HSTDV a deployable weapon?
- Why does the HSTDV use a rocket booster if it is air-breathing?
- How does the HSTDV relate to India's MTCR and non-proliferation commitments?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

The HSTDV is an Indian unmanned scramjet-powered demonstrator developed by the DRDO to validate technologies for hypersonic cruise vehicles and air-breathing propulsion.

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## Timeline

1. 12 June 2019

   India conducted the first HSTDV flight test on from the A.P.J.

2. 7 September 2020

   The decisive test came on , when the DRDO announced a successful flight in which the scramjet ignited and sustained combustion at Mach 6 at an altitude near…

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Example

On 7 September 2020, India's DRDO test-flew the HSTDV from A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Island off Odisha, sustaining scramjet combustion at Mach 6 for about 20 seconds.

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