BREAKING: Australia is accelerating its defense capabilities with a groundbreaking $46 million funding deal aimed at developing hydrogen-powered hypersonic drones. Brisbane-based startup Hypersonix Launch Systems is at the forefront, backed by NASA and the Pentagon, as they prepare for critical test flights scheduled for January 2024 at the Wallops Flight Facility in the United States.
The investment involves a consortium of global aerospace and defense investors, including both the federal and Queensland governments. This collaboration aims to launch the world’s first reusable unmanned aircraft capable of reaching speeds exceeding those of most military jets. Hypersonix’s chief executive, Matt Hill, emphasized the significance of this project, stating, “It shows real confidence in our mission and highlights the importance of building clean, reusable aerospace systems.”
This revolutionary technology promises to transform military and space operations for Australia and its allies, providing unmatched speed, sustainability, and cost advantages. According to Nicholas Guest, director of the Queensland Investment Corporation, “This is breakthrough technology allowing Australia and its allies to fly faster, further, and more often.”
Founded in 2019, Hypersonix is focused on pioneering sustainable, high-performance flight systems powered by green hydrogen. Their proprietary SPARTAN scramjet engine, which is 3D-printed and contains no moving parts, can achieve speeds of up to Mach 12 while producing zero greenhouse gas emissions. This innovative approach offers a low-maintenance solution for high-speed defense and aerospace missions.
The upcoming test flight of the DART AE, measuring 3.5 meters in length, is set to mark the world’s first sustained hypersonic flight using green hydrogen. Hill noted that this aircraft is constructed at a fraction of the cost compared to other hypersonic models, emphasizing its potential impact on future aerospace initiatives.
Additionally, the funding will expedite the development of a larger, fully reusable hypersonic aircraft, measuring 8 meters long, equipped with four engines. This aircraft is designed for a range of missions, including intelligence gathering, delivery, reconnaissance, and testing of space systems.
As this project progresses, it not only represents a significant leap in technology but also aligns with urgent national security needs while promoting a sustainable future in aerospace. The upcoming test flights and the operational readiness of these drones could redefine Australia’s role in global defense and aerospace innovation.
Stay tuned for more updates as Hypersonix prepares for its historic test flight.
