// UNMANNED SYSTEMS AND NEXT-GEN WARFARE TERM
HGV
An HGV, or Hypersonic Glide Vehicle, is a type of unpowered warhead that is launched into space by a rocket and then glides back to Earth through the atmosphere at extremely high speeds, often above Mach 5. Its ability to maneuver unpredictably during this glide phase makes it very difficult for missile defense systems to intercept.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
A Hypersonic Glide Vehicle (HGV) is a sophisticated, unpowered, and maneuverable re-entry vehicle designed to be deployed from a ballistic missile or launch platform, executing complex, non-ballistic trajectories at hypersonic speeds (Mach 5+) within the atmosphere to evade conventional missile defense systems and deliver payloads to specific targets with high precision.
BACKGROUND
The YJ-17 is a hypersonic anti-ship aeroballistic missile, featuring a hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV) warhead. The missile was first observed during the preparation of the 2025 China Victory Day Parade in August 2025. The missile was officially revealed at the Parade on the 3rd of September, 2025.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- Hypersonic Glide Vehicle
- Glide Vehicle
- Hypersonic Weapon
- Boost-Glide Vehicle
- Boost-Glide Weapon
- Glide Warhead
USAGE NOTE
HGVs represent a significant technological advancement in military capabilities, challenging traditional missile defense systems due to their speed and unpredictable flight paths.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to HGV.
A global aerospace, defense, security, and advanced technologies company heavily involved in the development and production of hypersonic strike capabilities, including Hypersonic Glide Vehicles (HGVs) for the U.S. military.
A major aerospace and defense manufacturer developing advanced hypersonic weapon systems, including air-breathing and glide vehicle technologies, for military applications.
A global aerospace and defense technology company engaged in the research, development, and production of advanced weapon systems, including components and full systems for hypersonic flight and glide vehicles.
A multinational corporation that designs, manufactures, and sells airplanes, rotorcraft, rockets, satellites, telecommunications equipment, and missiles worldwide, including advanced aerospace concepts like hypersonic vehicles.
A wholly owned subsidiary of Leidos, Dynetics is a key developer of the Common Hypersonic Glide Body (CHGB) for the U.S. Army and Navy, playing a crucial role in the nation's hypersonic programs.
A U.S. government agency responsible for the development of emerging technologies for use by the military, DARPA initiates and funds numerous research programs into hypersonic flight and glide vehicles.
A leading provider of propulsion systems for aerospace and defense, Aerojet Rocketdyne develops critical engine and rocket motor technologies essential for propelling and maneuvering hypersonic glide vehicles.
A U.S. Department of Energy national laboratory with responsibilities in national security, Sandia conducts extensive research and development in areas critical to hypersonics, including aerodynamics, materials science, and flight testing of glide vehicles.