Australia is making significant strides in aerospace technology with the development of hydrogen-powered hypersonic drones, thanks to a new international funding agreement. Brisbane-based startup Hypersonix Launch Systems is at the forefront of this initiative, creating unmanned aircraft capable of achieving speeds exceeding those of conventional military jets. This project has garnered support from prominent entities, including NASA and the Pentagon, which are backing upcoming test flights.
The Australian federal and Queensland state governments have partnered with a consortium of global aerospace and defense investors to facilitate the creation of the world’s first hydrogen-powered hypersonic aircraft. The initiative received a substantial boost with a funding commitment of $46 million, which will accelerate the delivery of operational drones designed for intelligence-gathering, surveillance, and space system testing.
Matt Hill, chief executive of Hypersonix, expressed enthusiasm about the investment, stating that it reflects strong confidence in their mission. “This highlights the importance of building clean, reusable aerospace systems that meet today’s national security needs while shaping tomorrow’s industry,” he remarked on Tuesday.
Investment Opportunity in Hypersonic Technology
According to Nicholas Guest, director of the Queensland Investment Corporation, Hypersonix represents a unique opportunity to support a local company pioneering advanced hypersonic technology. He noted that this breakthrough technology enables Australia and its allies to fly faster, further, and more frequently with an unparalleled combination of speed, sustainability, and cost efficiency.
Founded in 2019, Hypersonix focuses on developing sustainable, high-performance flight systems powered by green hydrogen. Central to their innovation is the proprietary SPARTAN scramjet engine, which is 3D-printed and capable of reaching speeds of Mach 12 without any moving parts. Unlike traditional scramjets that rely on kerosene, the Hypersonix SPARTAN produces zero greenhouse gas emissions, offering a maintenance-efficient solution for high-speed defense and aerospace missions.
Upcoming Test Flights
The funding will support a critical test flight of the 3.5-metre-long hypersonic DART AE, scheduled to take place at NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility in the United States in January 2024. Hill highlighted the revolutionary aspects of the DART, stating, “It’s completely 3D-printed and built for a fraction of the cost of other hypersonic models.” This mission is poised to achieve the world’s first sustained hypersonic flight powered by green hydrogen.
In addition to the DART AE, the investment will expedite the development of a larger, fully reusable hypersonic aircraft measuring eight metres in length, featuring four engines and hydrogen fuel. This aircraft aims to enhance capabilities in intelligence, delivery, reconnaissance, and space system testing missions.
The collaborative efforts behind this project signify a major leap forward for Australia’s defense technology sector, positioning the nation at the cutting edge of aerospace innovation. With the backing of significant financial and institutional support, Hypersonix is set to redefine the potential of hypersonic flight while prioritizing sustainability and operational efficiency.
