UK's scientists complete successful hypersonic propulsion test

UK's scientists have successfully completed a major hypersonic propulsion test, marking a significant step forward in the development of advanced military technology.

The research, which was carried out through a close collaboration between the UK government, industry, and the US government, is part of the Ministry of Defence’s Team Hypersonics (UK) programme, Caliber.Az reports via the message posted on the website of the UK’s Defence Ministry.

This initiative aims to develop a hypersonic weapon technology demonstrator by 2030, providing a transformational capability for the UK armed forces. This achievement aligns with the UK government's broader Plan for Change, which emphasizes national security, and comes on the heels of the Prime Minister’s announcement of the largest sustained increase in defence spending since the end of the Cold War.

The hypersonic propulsion test, which involved 233 successful static test runs, was conducted by a joint team led by the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), alongside the US Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), and supported by industry partners such as UK-based Gas Dynamics Ltd. The tests were held at NASA Langley Research Centre in Virginia, US, over a period of six weeks, with real-time data analysis used to refine the design and boost the engine’s propulsion performance. 

The trial explored several design modifications to ensure the propulsion system’s readiness for future upgrades. The high-speed air-breathing engine demonstrated exceptional performance, offering a range that exceeds that of conventional rocket-powered systems and advancing the UK’s hypersonic weapon capabilities. 

Defence Secretary John Healey MP commented on the importance of innovation in today's global security landscape: “We are living in a more dangerous world and it has never been more important for us to innovate and stay ahead of our adversaries, equipping our forces with the technologies of the future. This milestone moment on hypersonics research, supported by British scientists and British small businesses, demonstrates another crucial area where we are working in lockstep with the United States to bolster our Armed Forces and strengthen our deterrence.”

Dstl’s Chief Executive, Paul Hollinshead, also highlighted the significance of the tests: “This milestone represents a critical advancement in the UK’s defence capabilities and reinforces our standing in the AUKUS hypersonic weapon development collaboration. The success of these tests highlights the UK’s commitment to technological leadership and innovation in this crucial area.”

The tests covered the full range of Mach numbers, from supersonic to hypersonic speeds, validating the engine’s robustness and paving the way for future system design updates.

By Naila Huseynova