Indian scientists have reportedly developed a unique chromium metal coating that could increase the range of missiles and launch vehicles by up to 40 percent.

India's longest-range missile, the Agni III, is currently capable of striking targets at 3,500 km. The new coating, applied to the blunt nose of the missile, would boost its range to an impressive 4,900 km.

G Jagadeesh, an assistant professor at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), explained that projectiles traveling at hypsersonic velocities encounter atmospheric drag due to friction. According to Jagadeesh, the chromium covering signifcantly reduced drag by "adding temporary heat and pushing the stagnating gas away to create an easier path".  

The revolutionary chromium mixture could also help reinforce a space shuttle's delicate thermal protection system during re-entry.

"The coating evaporates once the object has re-entered the atmosphere", said Jagadeesh. "This novel method is path-breaking because additional energy is not required to reduce drag; objects which travel into space need to carry a much lower fuel load".

It should be noted that a failing thermal protection system caused the disintegration of the American space shuttle Colombia in 2003. Seven crew members were killed in the disaster, including Kalpana Chawla.

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