A recent report indicated China completed a test run of a nuclear-capable hypersonic glide vehicle that did an entire trip around the globe before heading towards its target. Hypersonic missiles, being developed by various countries including the US, Russia, and China, can travel five times the speed of sound. Despite being slower than ballistic missiles, these missiles are more challenging to intercept due to their manoeuvrability.
Hypersonic Speeds: Risks and Requirements
With ongoing tensions between the US and China, along with a year-long stand-off with Indian forces in eastern Ladakh, the developments in hypersonic technology pose a significant threat for India’s space and surface assets. These offensive systems operating at such high speeds also necessitate the creation of equally fast defence systems.
Hypersonic speeds, defined as five times the speed of sound or more, are measured using a Mach number. The Mach number represents an aircraft’s speed in comparison to the speed of sound in the air. So, Mach 1 is equivalent to the speed of sound – 343 metres per second.
Types of Hypersonic Missiles: Cruise Missiles and Glide Vehicles
Hypersonic cruise missiles and hypersonic glide vehicles (HGV) are two primary types of hypersonic missiles. The former utilises either rocket or jet propellant throughout its flight, making it a speedier version of regular cruise missiles. HGVs first ascend into the atmosphere on a conventional rocket before launching towards their target.
Scramjet technology, an Air Breathing propulsion System type, is the primary technology used in most hypersonic vehicles. This complex technology can withstand high temperatures, a feature contributing to the costliness of hypersonic systems.
Ballistic Missile vs Cruise Missile
Distinct characteristics differentiate ballistic missiles from cruise missiles. Ballistic missiles’ path is influenced by gravity, air resistance, and the Coriolis force, causing a projectile motion. On the contrary, cruise missiles follow a relatively straighter trajectory. While ballistic missiles leave and re-enter Earth’s atmosphere, cruise missiles operate within it.
Classification of Missiles: Speeds and Velocity
Missiles can also be classified based on speed. Speed ranges from subsonic (less than 0.8 Mach number) to high-hypersonic (10-25 Mach number), with velocities between 274 m/s and 8507 m/s.
Hypersonic Technology in India
India is also making strides in hypersonic technology. Following the successful test of ASAT under Mission Shakti, India has proven its capabilities regarding space assets. Both DRDO and ISRO have developed and tested hypersonic technology. Recently, the DRDO flight-tested a Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle (HSTDV) capable of travelling at six times the speed of sound. The organisation also unveiled a Hypersonic Wind Tunnel (HWT) testing facility in Hyderabad, simulating Mach numbers between 5 to 12.
Air Breathing Propulsion System
Serving as a lighter, more efficient and cost-effective system, Air Breathing Propulsion Systems use atmospheric oxygen up to about 50 km of Earth’s surface to burn fuel stored on-board. Examples include the Ramjet, Scramjet, and Dual Mode Ramjet (DMRJ). Each of these systems has unique characteristics, such as different operational speeds and use of the vehicle’s forward motion or atmospheric compression for combustion.
Advancements in hypersonic missile technology pose new challenges for defence mechanisms, particularly in regions with political tensions. Notable advancements from countries like China, Russia, and the USA push others like India to further their developments in similar technologies for maintaining balance and security.
Last Modified: February 13, 2024