DRDO, University of Hyderabad Researchers Patent New Rocket Propellant BAM-H24

Hyderabad: Researchers from the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) and the University of Hyderabad have developed a next-generation solid rocket propellant fuel for missile systems and launch vehicles, securing a patent from the Patent Office, Government of India.

The newly patented innovation, designated as BAM-H24, was invented by Dr Muddamarri Hanumantha Rao of the Advanced Centre of Research in High Energy Materials (ACRHEM) and Prof Muralidharan Krishnamurthi of ACRHEM and the School of Chemistry at the University of Hyderabad. The invention outlines the synthesis, structural elucidation, and energetic properties of a novel boron-, hydrogen-, and nitrogen-rich energetic compound.

According to the researchers, BAM-H24 exhibits strong chemical and thermal stability along with high insensitivity to impact and friction. These characteristics make the handling and storage of the material safer. Because the fuel demonstrates reduced sensitivity to accidental friction or impact, it is expected to minimise operational hazards for personnel working in manufacturing facilities.

In terms of propulsion performance, the researchers stated that the fuel is expected to deliver high specific impulse values and reduced ignition delay. These attributes boost both energy efficiency and overall performance in solid rocket propulsion systems.

The compound is also non-hygroscopic, preventing the absorption of water and helping preserve the propellant's chemical integrity even under humid or demanding storage conditions.

Beyond serving directly as a primary solid rocket propellant fuel, BAM-H24 is designed to function as a fuel additive or a burn rate accelerator in advanced high-energy material formulations.

The research team noted that the breakthrough provides a safer, reliable, and highly efficient solid fuel formulation for launch vehicles and missile systems, strengthening indigenous defence capabilities under national self-reliance initiatives.