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Hypersonix USA has partnered with launch provider Rocket Lab USA for the first launch of their DART AE multi-mission hypersonic drone technology demonstrator.
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Rocket Lab’s Hypersonic Accelerator Suborbital Test Electron rocket will safely bring DART AE to its initial operating speed and allow its SPARTAN scramjet engine to reach Mach 5 in order to self-ignite, according to the Hypersonix statement published on 17 April.
From that point, the additive engineering craft will be able to demonstrate non-ballistic flight patterns, acceleration up to speeds of Mach 7, flexible engine burns and up to 1,000-kilometre range while collecting flight data from its journey at hypersonic speed.
Hypersonix chief executive officer David Waterhouse said data collected by the oxygen-breathing and hydrogen-fuelled engine will accelerate the evaluation of potential systems, concepts, technologies and mission sets.
“We have looked at various launch providers globally, as DART AE is designed to work with a variety of boosters,” he said.
“We are particularly excited to get our first ride from Rocket Lab. Their track record of successful launches, their team, as well as their rockets are impressive, and we look forward to seeing DART AE fly for the first time next year”.
Both companies have worked together on projects since 2020, according to Rocket Lab founder and CEO Peter Beck.
“We look forward to partnering with the innovative team at Hypersonix to deliver highly capable, frequent, and cost-effective hypersonic and suborbital test opportunities,” he said.
