// UNMANNED SYSTEMS AND NEXT-GEN WARFARE TERM
Hypervelocity Projectile
A hypervelocity projectile is a munition fired at extremely high speeds, typically over five times the speed of sound (Mach 5). It destroys targets through the sheer force of its kinetic energy on impact, rather than using a traditional explosive warhead.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
A hypervelocity projectile (HVP) is a guided kinetic energy weapon system munition, launched from electromagnetic railguns or advanced powder guns at speeds exceeding Mach 5. Designed for missile defense, anti-surface warfare (ASuW), and air defense, the HVP defeats threats like cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, and aircraft by transferring immense kinetic energy upon impact.
BACKGROUND
Hypervelocity is very high velocity, approximately over 3,000 meters per second. In particular, hypervelocity is velocity so high that the strength of materials upon impact is very small compared to inertial stresses. Thus, metals and fluids behave alike under hypervelocity impact. An impact under extreme hypervelocity results in vaporization of the impactor and target. For structural metals, hypervelocity is generally considered to be over 2,500 m/s. Meteorite craters are also examples of hypervelocity impacts.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- HVP
- kinetic energy munition
- railgun projectile
- Mach 5+ round
- guided projectile
- high-speed projectile
USAGE NOTE
This term is most frequently associated with developmental weapons like electromagnetic railguns and advanced naval gun systems intended for missile defense.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Hypervelocity Projectile.
A primary developer of the Hyper Velocity Projectile (HVP), originally designed for the U.S. Navy's electromagnetic railgun. The HVP is a next-generation, common, low-drag, guided projectile capable of being fired from multiple gun systems.
A key developer of electromagnetic railguns and related projectile technologies. They have designed and tested multi-mission projectiles capable of reaching hypervelocities for air and missile defense, and surface fire support missions.
Develops advanced projectile and hypersonic systems. Their work includes creating guided projectiles and interceptors that travel at hypervelocity speeds for missile defense and long-range precision fire applications.
Develops advanced ammunition and weapon systems, including technologies essential for hypervelocity projectiles such as advanced guidance, fuzing, and propulsion for use in next-generation artillery and missile defense.
The U.S. Army's primary research and development center for armaments and munitions. They conduct research into advanced energetic materials, ballistics, and projectile design to achieve hypervelocity performance for future long-range artillery systems.
A U.S. Navy research and development center that has been at the forefront of directed energy and electric weapons research, including the electromagnetic railgun and the associated hypervelocity projectiles.
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency funds and manages the development of emerging technologies for the U.S. military. It has sponsored numerous programs related to hypervelocity and hypersonic systems, pushing the boundaries of projectile speed and capability.