Prototype model of a morphing hypersonic missile with variable-geometry wings, shown with real-time control hardware during lab testing. Photo: NUDT
Reports indicate that China has developed a hypersonic missile prototype capable of changing its shape while in flight, a significant advancement that would enhance the overall evasive potential of the missile. It was created by the National University of Defense Technology (NUDT) and designed to travel at speeds greater than Mach 5 while adapting its aerodynamic design to dynamic flight conditions or severe weather.
According to the article in Acta Aeronautica et Astronautica Sinica, this maneuverability is made possible through retractable wings that adapt on a flight-by-flight basis to increase flight efficiency or increase response time when needing to maneuver. This also adds substantial complexity when trying to intercept the missile.
The Chinese team, led by Professor Wang Peng, converted a lot of difficult problems associated with testing a hypersonic missile that needed to work during extreme heating while modifying geometry at Mach 5. They employed advanced control that provided precise control without a heavy computational load. This test demonstrates that China has a viable operational hypersonic weapon, while U.S. hypersonic projects are still in development.
If this technology is in fact reliable, it may change the landscape of the future of defense.
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