Preliminarily it is known that the hypersonic missile will have a speed of more than Mach 5, which will enable it to effectively overcome enemy air defenses.
Britain intends to step up its efforts to create the latest weapons to catch up with leading countries such as the US, China and Russia. One of the key directions is the acceleration of the hypersonic missile development program called Hypersonic Technologies and Capability Development Framework (HTCDF). Details reported reviewers of UK Defense Journal.
The article states that Great Britain sets an ambitious goal of putting new weapons into operation by 2030. For this, a program group called Team Hypersonics was created, which is responsible for the development of the country's hypersonic potential. The group includes representatives of the Ministry of Defense, the defense-industrial complex and scientists.
The main area of development is the Hypersonic Technologies and Capability Development Framework (HTCDF) program. It is a phased development of a hypersonic missile, for which 1 billion pounds (about 1.29 billion dollars) has been allocated. The project involves 90 participants, including defense contractors, businesses and academic institutions.
Technical specifications and tests
The new hypersonic missile will have a speed of more than Mach 5, which will allow it to evade modern air defense systems thanks to its speed and maneuverability. This development is considered critical to maintaining the UK's strategic deterrence in the face of increasingly competitive global security.
Due to the sensitivity of the programme, the UK Ministry of Defense has not disclosed details of the project. It is not known what launch platform will be used for the hypersonic missile, but launch options from a ground system, fighter jets or ships are being considered.
“Thanks to these aids, tests of the most important missile subsystem technologies developed and manufactured by a sovereign state, including a new hypersonic propulsion system”, — said Secretary Vernon Coker.
A number of key technologies for the new hypersonic missile, including the engine, are currently being tested.