UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Britain’s hypersonic missile test marks a major step forward for defence, with a new engine promising to enhance missile performance and range.
As reported by The Telegraph, the UK’s successful test of a new hypersonic missile engine represents a significant advancement in European defence capabilities.
UK’s latest hypersonic engine
Britain’s latest hypersonic research could revolutionise missile technology. The newly developed engine, designed to power a cutting-edge cruise missile, is set to deliver greater range and speed compared to conventional rockets while achieving speeds of several thousand miles per hour.
The new engine depends on air for combustion rather than an onboard oxygen system. This marks a major advancement in the UK’s hypersonic missile technology.
Ministry of Defence’s views on the UK’s hypersonic weapon research
According to the Ministry of Defence, the recent research aims to contribute to the development of a hypersonic weapon technology demonstrator by 2030. This effort is part of the Team Hypersonics initiative.
It highlighted that the new engine will bring a “transformational capability,” granting the UK armed forces a major operational advantage in the future.
Hypersonic test runs at NASA Langley
The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, in collaboration with the US Air Force Research Laboratory, conducted 233 successful static test runs. These tests took place at NASA’s Langley Research Centre in Virginia.
The UK’s Hypersonic Weapons Programme, the testing lasted six weeks. It focused on real-time data analysis to improve design elements and enhance propulsion. This was supported by industry partners, including UK SME Gas Dynamics Ltd.
John Healey’s views on hypersonic research
The Defence Secretary John Healey said, “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.”
He added, “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.”
Paul Hollinshead’s stance on the UK’s hypersonic weapon milestone
Paul Hollinshead, chief executive of Dstl, referred to the milestone as a “critical advancement” in UK defence, which “strengthens its position within the Aukus hypersonic weapons development alliance.”
He stated, “The success of these tests highlights the UK’s commitment to technological leadership and innovation in this crucial area.”
UK, US, and Australia accelerate hypersonic missile development
At the end of 2024, the UK, US, and Australia reached a deal to speed up the delivery of hypersonic missiles, referred to as “battle-winning” technology.
The second pillar of the Aukus submarine pact committed the UK, US, and Australia to develop, build, and test projectiles that can travel at five times the speed of sound.
The three nations are collaborating to speed up the delivery of weapons, launchers, and defensive systems, using their collective expertise and resources.
Lord Coaker’s views on the UK’s role in advancing hypersonic technology
Last August, speaking on the UK’s advancements in hypersonic technology, Lord Coaker, Minister of State for the Ministry of Defence, pointed out the country’s significant progress as a leader in this critical field.
He stated, “The UK is demonstrating its leadership in the global hypersonic arena by active participation in the AUKUS Pillar 2 Advanced Capability Partnership.”
Mr Coaker explained, “Building on previous research and development, the MOD has established a Programme Team – Team Hypersonics (UK) – to cohere Ministry of Defence, industry and academia around the development of a sovereign hypersonic capability.”
Hypersonic missile
A type of advanced missile that can travel at speeds more than five times the speed of sound, which is over 3,800 miles per hour.
Two main types:
- Hypersonic Glide Vehicles (HGVs)
- Hypersonic Cruise Missiles (HCMs)