HYDERABAD, — The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the University of Hyderabad (UoH) have secured an Indian patent for BAM-H24, a boron-, hydrogen- and nitrogen-rich energetic compound developed for advanced solid rocket propulsion.
The Indian Patent Office granted Patent No. 599900 to the Chairman of DRDO and the Advanced Centre of Research in High Energy Materials (ACRHEM) at the University of Hyderabad, which is now known as the Defence Innovation and Advanced Technology Centre (DIA-CoE). The patent was filed on December 21, 2022, and was granted on August 20, 2026.
The invention is formally titled “N1,N1,N1,N4,N4,N4-hexaethylbut-2-yne-1,4-diaminiumdodecaborane: The Next Generation Solid Rocket Propellant Fuel.” The compound, designated BAM-H24, covers its synthesis, structural elucidation and energetic properties.
BAM-H24 designed for solid rocket propulsion
According to the University of Hyderabad, BAM-H24 is intended to have multiple roles in advanced high-energy material formulations. It can function as a solid rocket propellant fuel, fuel additive or burn-rate accelerator.
The compound is expected to provide high specific impulse and reduced ignition delay, properties that can improve energy efficiency and performance in solid rocket propulsion systems. Its potential applications include missile systems and space launch vehicles.
However, the patent itself represents protection of the underlying compound and research; its grant does not by itself establish that BAM-H24 has already been integrated into an operational missile or launch vehicle.
Safety and storage properties
BAM-H24 also has reported characteristics aimed at improving the handling and storage of energetic materials. The research team reported strong chemical and thermal stability and high insensitivity to impact and friction, reducing the risk associated with accidental ignition during handling.
Another reported property is its non-hygroscopic nature, meaning the material does not readily absorb water. This can help preserve its integrity in humid storage conditions.
DRDO-UoH research collaboration
The invention was developed through collaboration between DRDO and ACRHEM at the University of Hyderabad. The research was led by Dr. Muddamarri Hanumantha Rao of ACRHEM and Professor Muralidharan Krishnamurthi of ACRHEM and the UoH School of Chemistry.
The patent provides intellectual-property protection for an indigenous high-energy compound with potential applications in both defence propulsion and space launch systems. It also represents continued collaboration between DRDO and academic researchers in the development of advanced energetic materials.
Further research and development would be required to determine the performance of BAM-H24 in specific propulsion systems and its suitability for practical deployment.
——— End of Article ———
