This hypersonic missile can change its shape at Mach 5!
What's the story
Chinese military scientists have unveiled a prototype of a morphing hypersonic vehicle, capable of flying at speeds over Mach 5. The missile, which was revealed in a peer-reviewed paper, features retractable wings. This innovative design allows it to adapt its aerodynamic profile mid-flight. The research team was led by Professor Wang Peng from the National University of Defence Technology (NUDT).
Design benefits
Wings can be adjusted in real-time for optimal performance
The retractable wings of the hypersonic missile serve two main purposes. When stowed inside the fuselage, they reduce drag for high-speed cruising. But when extended, they provide extra lift and greatly enhance maneuverability. The amount of wing deployment can be finely tuned, allowing real-time adjustments to the vehicle's overall aerodynamic shape and flight characteristics. This capability has long been considered a key goal in hypersonic flight technology.
Test results
It is feasible for real-world use
The study detailing the design of this advanced hypersonic vehicle was published in Acta Aeronautica et Astronautica Sinica, China's top aerospace journal. It confirmed that the missile's innovative control algorithms and key components had successfully passed hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) ground tests. This is a major milestone as it shows that the system is not just theoretical but also feasible for real-world use.