// UNMANNED SYSTEMS AND NEXT-GEN WARFARE TERM
Air-Breathing Hypersonic
An air-breathing hypersonic vehicle is a type of missile or aircraft that travels at incredibly high speeds, typically over five times the speed of sound, by using engines that draw in oxygen from the surrounding atmosphere to burn fuel. This differs from rockets, which carry their own oxygen supply.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
An air-breathing hypersonic system, such as a missile or aircraft, achieves sustained hypersonic flight (Mach 5+) within the Earth's atmosphere by utilizing air-breathing propulsion engines, primarily scramjets or advanced ramjets, which ingest atmospheric oxygen for combustion, offering greater efficiency and range compared to rocket-propelled systems.
BACKGROUND
The Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile is an Australian-American scramjet-powered hypersonic air-launched cruise missile project, the successor of the Hypersonic Air-breathing Weapon Concept (HAWC) and the SCIFiRE hypersonic programs.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- Hypersonic air-breathing vehicle
- Air-breathing missile
- Hypersonic cruise missile
- Scramjet-powered missile
- Atmospheric hypersonic weapon
USAGE NOTE
These advanced weapons are highly sought after by military powers for their ability to conduct rapid, long-range strikes and evade conventional missile defenses due to their extreme speed and maneuverability.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Air-Breathing Hypersonic.
A global aerospace, defense, security, and advanced technologies company heavily invested in developing various hypersonic platforms, including air-breathing concepts for military applications.
A leading defense contractor developing advanced missile systems and hypersonic weapons, including air-breathing variants, for the U.S. military and allies.
A major aerospace company involved in research and development of advanced hypersonic technologies, including air-breathing systems for both military and potential future commercial applications.
A global aerospace and defense technology company working on various advanced programs, including the development of air-breathing hypersonic vehicles and related propulsion systems.
A U.S. Department of Defense agency that funds and manages numerous research programs for air-breathing hypersonic flight, developing foundational technologies and demonstrator vehicles.
A leading provider of propulsion systems, including scramjet engines crucial for air-breathing hypersonic vehicles, for military and space applications.
The primary scientific research and development center for the U.S. Air Force, conducting extensive work on air-breathing hypersonic propulsion, aerodynamics, and vehicle design.
An Australian company developing reusable air-breathing hypersonic vehicles powered by scramjet engines, with dual-use potential for both defense and commercial applications.
A European aerospace company developing propulsion systems and launch vehicles, actively involved in research and conceptual studies for future hypersonic flight, including air-breathing technologies.