// UNMANNED SYSTEMS AND NEXT-GEN WARFARE TERM
Hypersonic
Hypersonic refers to speeds that are five times the speed of sound (Mach 5) or greater, causing intense friction, extreme heat, and unique aerodynamic challenges. In defense, it describes advanced missiles and aircraft designed to operate at these ultra-high velocities.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
Hypersonic denotes a flight regime characterized by sustained speeds at or exceeding Mach 5 (five times the speed of sound), typically within the Earth's atmosphere, leading to significant aerodynamic heating and plasma formation. In military contexts, it refers to advanced weapon systems, like hypersonic missiles and gliders, engineered for high-speed maneuverability to penetrate sophisticated air defense systems.
BACKGROUND
A hypersonic weapon is a weapon that can travel and make significant sustained maneuvers during atmospheric flight at hypersonic speed, which is defined as above Mach 5. These typically fall into two main categories: hypersonic glide vehicles, and hypersonic cruise missiles.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- Mach 5+
- Ultra-high speed
- High Mach
- Hypersonic speed
- Extreme velocity
USAGE NOTE
The term 'hypersonic' is commonly used to distinguish a new class of weapons that are much faster and harder to intercept than traditional ballistic or cruise missiles.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Hypersonic.
A global aerospace, defense, security, and advanced technologies company heavily involved in the development and production of hypersonic weapon systems, including the Air-Launched Rapid Response Weapon (ARRW) and Hypersonic Conventional Strike Weapon (HCSW) programs for the U.S. military.
A leading aerospace and defense company developing a range of hypersonic technologies, including air-breathing hypersonic weapons, glide vehicles, and advanced materials designed to withstand extreme hypersonic flight conditions.
A major defense contractor actively engaged in developing propulsion systems, airframes, and advanced technologies for hypersonic vehicles, including scramjet engines and other critical components for high-speed flight.
An aerospace giant with a long history of advanced aircraft development, currently involved in various research and development efforts for hypersonic platforms, including both offensive and defensive applications.
A U.S. government agency responsible for developing emerging technologies for use by the military. DARPA has numerous programs focused on advancing hypersonic flight capabilities, including propulsion, materials, and guidance systems.
The primary scientific research and development center for the United States Air Force. AFRL conducts extensive research into hypersonic aerodynamics, propulsion, thermal management, and materials for future air and space capabilities.
Through its Aerojet Rocketdyne segment, L3Harris is a critical developer of advanced rocket and missile propulsion systems essential for hypersonic flight, including solid rocket motors and air-breathing engines.
Through its subsidiary Dynetics, Leidos is involved in the design, development, and manufacturing of advanced prototypes for hypersonic weapons, particularly for the U.S. Army's Common Hypersonic Glide Body (CHGB) program.