Latest news with #HypersonicWeaponsProgramme
The Independent
07-04-2025
- Science
- The Independent
Why a new hypersonic missile engine is a milestone for UK defence capabilities
The UK successfully tested a new hypersonic missile engine, a significant advancement for its defence capabilities. The engine, developed with US and NASA support, uses air-breathing technology for greater range and speed. This is a key step in the UK's Hypersonic Weapons Programme, aiming for a demonstrator by 2030. Over 233 tests were conducted at NASA's Langley Research Centre, covering supersonic to hypersonic speeds. Defence Minister John Healey called it a "milestone moment" for UK defence, emphasising collaboration with the US.
The Independent
07-04-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Britain tests hypersonic missile engine in ‘milestone' for UK defence
Britain has successfully tested of a new engine for hypersonic missiles in a crucial step forward for the UK's defence capabilities in light of Vladimir Putin's war in Ukraine. The critical research could see weapons propelled at several thousand miles an hour, a development described by defence minister John Healey as a 'milestone moment' for the UK. Research supported by the US Air Force and Nasa has produced an engine which demonstrated the capacity for high-speed air-breathing, meaning it can use oxygen in the air to propel itself rather than onboard oxygen storage. This allows a greater range on the missile than a conventional rocket alongside the increased speed. The testing was carried out as part of the Ministry of Defence 's UK's Hypersonic Weapons Programme, which hopes to support delivery of a hypersonic weapon technology demonstrator by 2030. A total of 233 static tests were carried out over six weeks at Nasa 's Langley Research Centre in Virginia, USA, by a team of researchers led by the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) and the US Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). Multiple designs were tested across varying speeds from supersonic to hypersonic speeds, to ensure the robustness of the design, the ministry said. Mr 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. '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, chief executive of Dstl, hailed the 'milestone' achievement. He said it marks a 'critical advancement in the UK's defence capabilities' which 'reinforces our standing in the AUKUS hypersonic weapon development collaboration' - referring to the trilateral security arrangement between Australia, the UK and the US. 'The success of these tests highlights the UK's commitment to technological leadership and innovation in this crucial area,' Mr Hollinshead added.
Telegraph
06-04-2025
- Business
- Telegraph
Britain's hypersonic missile test hailed as ‘critical advance' for defence
Britain has completed a successful test of a new engine for hypersonic missiles in what marks a critical step for defence in Europe. The latest UK hypersonic research, which could see weapons travelling at several thousand miles per hour, has reached a landmark moment after it was established that the new engine would power a cutting-edge hypersonic cruise missile, covering greater ranges than a conventional rocket. The engine, which successfully demonstrated the performance of high-speed air-breathing – using air for combustion rather than a separate onboard oxygen device – is set to greatly advance the UK's hypersonic weapon capabilities. The Ministry of Defence said that the research, which took place in recent months, aims to support delivery of a hypersonic weapon technology demonstrator by 2030 through the department's Team Hypersonics (UK) programme. It said the engine will provide a 'transformational capability' that delivers operational advantage for the future UK armed forces. As part of a joint team led by the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) and the US Air Force Research Laboratory, 233 successful static test runs were conducted at the Nasa Langley Research Centre in Virginia, USA. The testing was part of the UK's Hypersonic Weapons Programme, which took place over six weeks involving real-time data analysis to refine design aspects and boost propulsive performance, with support from industry partners including UK SME Gas Dynamics Ltd. The Telegraph last year revealed that under the previous Conservative government, Britain planned to equip the Armed Forces with a home-grown hypersonic cruise missile by the end of the decade. To fight adversaries, a missile that could reach speeds exceeding Mach 5 was desired to catch up with China, Russia and the US. John Healey, the Defence Secretary, 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. '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, described the milestone as a 'critical advancement' in the UK's defence, which '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,' he added. At the end of last year, the UK, the US and Australia reached a deal to accelerate the delivery of 'battle-winning' hypersonic missiles. Under the second pillar of the Aukus submarine pact, it was agreed that the three nations will develop, build and test projectiles that travel five-times faster than the speed of sound. The countries are pooling expertise and resources to make sure weapons, launchers and defensive systems are delivered ahead of schedule.
