Australian company Hyperpersonix Launch Systems announced the successful completion of a key testing phase of its DART AE hypersonic demonstrator. This is stated in a statement from the company and the publication Defense Blog. Ground vibration tests confirmed that the device can withstand the stresses typical of flight at extremely high speeds.
Check before your first flight
Tests are performed without lifting off the ground. Their task is to simulate the shaking, shocks and vibrations that occur during launch and high-speed flight. This stage is mandatory before flight testing: it shows whether the structure will collapse under the influence of real loads.
The company states:
“We have successfully completed vibration testing of the DART AE, confirming component reliability and structural integrity for supersonic flight.” It also notes that “the evaluation confirms that the DART material is capable of withstanding the intense mechanical stresses encountered during high-speed flight.”
The location of the tests was not disclosed. The next stage will be final assembly and preparation for first flight.
Hydrogen ultrasound
DART AE is a small drone about 3 meters long and weighs about 300 kg. It is capable of reaching speeds of up to Mach 7, that is, flying seven times faster than sound and covering distances of up to a thousand kilometers.
This device is equipped with a hydrogen ramjet engine. In such a system there are no traditional compressors and turbines: the air is compressed due to the very high flight speed. This simplifies the design and allows it to accelerate to supersonic speeds.
The company emphasizes that the fuel delivers high thrust and is considered more environmentally friendly than traditional options.
3D printed fuselage
The main feature of the demonstrator is the fuselage, which is made using additive technology from heat-resistant alloys. According to Hypersonicix, this is the first hypersonic launcher with a fully printed body.
Additive manufacturing, or metal 3D printing, allows you to create complex parts without the need for lots of welds and fasteners. This reduces the weight of the structure and reduces the number of potential weak points. The company notes that the design and assembly of the device is entirely done in Australia.
Interest in such devices is growing worldwide. Technology capable of flying at speeds in excess of Mach 5 can cover huge distances in just a few minutes.
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