// UNMANNED SYSTEMS AND NEXT-GEN WARFARE TERM
Hypersonic Glide Vehicle
A Hypersonic Glide Vehicle (HGV) is a weapon that is launched into the upper atmosphere by a rocket and then glides back to Earth at extremely high speeds, typically Mach 5 (five times the speed of sound) or faster, making it very difficult to detect and intercept. Unlike ballistic missiles, HGVs maintain a lower, maneuverable trajectory within the atmosphere.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
A Hypersonic Glide Vehicle (HGV) is an unpowered, maneuverable strategic weapon system launched by a rocket booster to near-space altitudes, subsequently executing an unpowered, high-Mach (Mach 5+) atmospheric glide trajectory to its target, designed for enhanced penetration capabilities against advanced missile defense systems due to its extreme speed, relatively low altitude, and unpredictable flight path.
BACKGROUND
A hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV) is a type of warhead for ballistic missiles that can maneuver and glide at hypersonic speed. It is used in conjunction with ballistic missiles to significantly change their trajectories after launch. Conventional ballistic missiles follow a predictable ballistic trajectory and are vulnerable to interception by the latest anti-ballistic missile (ABM) systems. The in-flight maneuverability of HGVs makes them unpredictable, allowing them to effectively evade air defenses. As of 2022, hypersonic glide vehicles are the subject of an arms race.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- HGV
- Glide Vehicle
- Hypersonic Glider
- Boost-Glide Vehicle
- Boost-Glide Weapon
USAGE NOTE
HGVs are primarily developed by major military powers for strategic deterrence and to bypass traditional ballistic missile defense systems due to their unique flight characteristics.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Hypersonic Glide Vehicle.
A global aerospace, defense, security, and advanced technologies company heavily involved in the development and testing of hypersonic strike capabilities, including Hypersonic Glide Vehicles, for the US military.
A leading aerospace and defense company developing advanced missile systems and propulsion technologies critical for hypersonic weapons, including Hypersonic Air-breathing Weapon Concept (HAWC) and other glide vehicle programs.
A global aerospace and defense technology company providing advanced propulsion, materials, and weapon systems for hypersonic applications, including work on Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile (HACM) and other glide vehicle platforms.
A multinational corporation that designs, manufactures, and sells airplanes, rotorcraft, rockets, satellites, telecommunications equipment, and missiles. Its defense division is involved in various advanced weapon system developments, including hypersonic research.
A research and development agency of the United States Department of Defense responsible for developing emerging technologies for use by the military, including significant investment and oversight in numerous hypersonic weapon programs.
A manufacturer of rocket, missile, and hypersonic propulsion systems. They are a critical supplier for various hypersonic programs, providing advanced engines and components for Hypersonic Glide Vehicles.
A multi-program laboratory for the U.S. Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration, conducting research and development in national security, including advanced aerodynamics, materials science, and testing for hypersonic flight.
A major Russian state-owned defense contractor specializing in the development and production of high-precision missiles and aerospace systems, including advanced hypersonic weapons like the Avangard Hypersonic Glide Vehicle.