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
 

Thread 'Space Stuff and Launch Info'

Due to the constant never ending supply of "cool stuff" happening in Aerospace these days I'm creating this thread to consolidate posts every time something new comes along. Please feel free to add random information if its relevant. So to start things off here is the SpaceX Dragon launch coming up shortly, I'll be following up afterwards to see how it all goes. :smile: https://blogs.nasa.gov/spacex/
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