UK consortium to develop hypersonic defence technologies

UK hypersonic defence capabilities have received a boost with the announcement of the Hypersonic Air Vehicle Experimental (HVX) Programme at Farnborough International Air Show.

The HVX Programme – a consortium of Reaction Engines, Rolls-Royce, the Royal Air Force’s Rapid Capabilities Office (RCO), the UK Government’s Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) and the UK’s National Security Strategic Investment Fund (NSSIF) – aims to establish the UK as a leader in reusable hypersonic air systems.

Supported by funding from NSSIF, a project team has been established to develop high-Mach/hypersonic technologies, including air-breathing propulsion architectures, thermal management systems and advanced vehicle concepts. A full-scale experimental engine test campaign has commenced also.