Pentagon to conduct first test of experimental aircraft to test hypersonic technology next summer

The U.S. Department of Defense's Defense Innovation Unit intends to conduct the first flight test of an experimental aircraft that will be used to test hypersonic technology as early as next summer. As we can see, the Hypersonic and High-Cadence Airborne Testabilities (HyCAT) program is gaining momentum.

Here's What We Know

The Pentagon is actively developing hypersonic weapons for the US Army, Air Force and Navy. Not all projects are equally successful, but in any case the agency needs an experimental aircraft to test hypersonic technology. The Pentagon also needs a target capable of hypersonic speeds (from 6174km/h) to test missile interceptors.

The Australian company Hypersonix has built its own aircraft for the HyCAT program, called the DART AE. Next summer, it will make its first fully autonomous flight. In the future, the US Department of Defense wants to conduct at least one launch every week.

In addition to Hypersonix, Rocket Lab and Fenix Space are participating in the HyCAT programme. However, the Defence Innovation Division intends to sign a contract with a fourth team to develop another test aircraft.

Moreover, the organisation is already eyeing the launch of the HyCAT 2 project, which will extend the testing of the aircraft. In particular, it is a question of integrating navigation capabilities and advanced communications. In addition, it should all be cheap to produce.

As for the DART AE, the test platform is equipped with a SPARTAN turbofan engine, is 2.8 meters long and can reach speeds in excess of 8,600 km/h. It will have a range of 1,000 km. The upcoming tests will test the acceleration and propulsion system and collect data on hypersonic speed flight.

Source: Defence News