Hypersonic Aircraft, DART AE 001

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Testing for a new Pentagon-funded hypersonic test vehicle is expected to occur in 2024, though the exact timing and location remain unclear, with potential summer tests in Australia or the US. The DART AE, a scramjet-powered demonstrator, can achieve speeds up to Mach 7 and is part of ongoing hypersonic technology development. A prototype launch is planned for Q1 2025, utilizing a guided Rocket Lab rocket. Additionally, Fenix Space and Rocket Lab are developing a reusable tow-launch platform, which allows for launching larger aircraft at altitude. This method, while riskier than traditional drop methods, aims to enhance flight capabilities.
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Supposedly, testing is happening this year. It's not clear though is they are talking about Summer in Australia (Jan-Feb (beginning of 2024) or Dec (end of 2024)), or in the US (June - Aug).

From 2023 - New Pentagon-funded hypersonic test vehicle could fly in summer 2024
https://www.space.com/new-hypersonic-test-vehicle-2024-flight-pentagon-funding

DART AE is a 9.8-foot-long (3 meters), 660-pound (300 kilograms) scramjet-powered technology demonstrator that can reach speeds of up to Mach 7, according to the company’s website. (Mach 1 is the speed of sound, which is about 767 mph, or 1,235 kph, at sea level. "Hypersonic" generally refers to flight that achieves speeds of Mach 5 or higher.)

https://www.hypersonix.com/
https://www.hypersonix.com/case-studies/kratos
https://www.hypersonix.com/case-studies/diu
 
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Astronuc said:
Supposedly, testing is happening this year. It's not clear though is they are talking about Summer in Australia (Jan-Feb (beginning of 2024) or Dec (end of 2024)), or in the US (June - Aug).
https://www.hypersonix.com/technology/dart
The prototype test launch, powered by a guided Rocket Lab rocket, is scheduled for Quarter 1, 2025.
 
Astronuc said:
From 2023 - New Pentagon-funded hypersonic test vehicle could fly in summer 2024
https://www.space.com/new-hypersonic-test-vehicle-2024-flight-pentagon-funding
Does anybody know what a "tow-launch" platform is?
Fenix Space, Inc., located in San Bernardino, California, and Rocket Lab, located in Long Beach, California, have also been awarded DIU contracts for a reusable tow-launch platform
 
I think they mean towing it to altitude like a glider and then releasing it to fly freely.

It allows for a larger aircraft than dropping it from another plane like Stratolaunch and Roc, but it’s riskier.

Edit: yep, that’s exactly what they’re aiming for:
IMG_3031.png
 

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