UK hypersonic research, which could see weapons travelling at
several thousand miles per hour, has reached a landmark moment
after successful completion of a major testing programme.
This research aims to support delivery of a hypersonic weapon
technology demonstrator by 2030 through the MOD's Team
Hypersonics (UK) programme. This will provide a transformational
capability that delivers operational advantage for the future UK
armed forces.
National security is a foundation of this government's Plan for
Change and today's news comes after the Prime Minister announced
the biggest sustained increase in defence spending since the end
of the Cold War.
A joint team led by the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory
(Dstl) together with the US Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL)
and supported by industry partners including UK SME Gas Dynamics
Ltd, carried out 233 successful static test runs at the NASA
Langley Research Centre in Virginia, USA.
This extensive testing was part of the UK's Hypersonic Weapons
Programme, and took place over six weeks involving real-time data
analysis to refine design aspects and boost propulsive
performance.
The trial explored several design variations, ensuring the
propulsion system's readiness for future system design updates.
The engine is poised to power a cutting-edge hypersonic cruise
missile concept and successfully demonstrated the performance of
the high-speed air-breathing engine – enabling greater ranges
than a conventional rocket - advancing the UK's hypersonic weapon
capabilities.
The tests spanned the full flight Mach number range from
supersonic to hypersonic speeds, validating the robustness of the
engine design and paving the way for future upgrades.
Defence Secretary, MP said:
We are living in a more dangerous world and it has never been
more important for us to innovate and stay ahead of our
adversaries, equipping our forces with the technologies of the
future.
This milestone moment on hypersonics research, supported by
British scientists and British small businesses, demonstrates
another crucial area where we are working in lockstep with the
United States to bolster our Armed Forces and strengthen our
deterrence.
Dstl's Chief Executive, Paul Hollinshead said:
This milestone represents a critical advancement in the UK's
defence capabilities and reinforces our standing in the AUKUS
hypersonic weapon development collaboration. The success of these
tests highlights the UK's commitment to technological leadership
and innovation in this crucial area.
