BREAKING: Australia’s military and aerospace capabilities are set to soar as the Brisbane-based startup Hypersonix Launch Systems announces a groundbreaking $46 million investment to develop the world’s first hydrogen-powered hypersonic aircraft. This significant funding comes from a consortium including the federal and Queensland governments, alongside global aerospace investors, and is aimed at revolutionizing flight technology for defense and space missions.
The innovative unmanned aircraft, capable of reaching speeds over Mach 12, is backed by NASA and the Pentagon, with test flights scheduled for January 2024 at NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility in the US. Matt Hill, chief executive of Hypersonix, emphasized the urgency of this project, stating, “It shows real confidence in our mission and highlights the importance of building clean, reusable aerospace systems that meet today’s national security needs.”
This investment marks a pivotal moment for Australia, showcasing the nation’s commitment to cutting-edge technology and sustainability in defense. The Queensland Investment Corporation director, Nicholas Guest, noted, “This is breakthrough technology allowing Australia and its allies to fly faster, further, and more often with an unmatched combination of speed, sustainability, and cost advantage.”
Founded in 2019, Hypersonix is pioneering a new generation of high-performance flight systems powered by green hydrogen. Their unique SPARTAN scramjet engine is a remarkable feat of engineering, as it is entirely 3D-printed and operates without moving parts, eliminating greenhouse gas emissions entirely.
The upcoming test flight of the DART AE, a 3.5-metre-long hypersonic vehicle, is poised to be the world’s first sustained hypersonic flight utilizing green hydrogen. This milestone is not only crucial for military applications but also positions Australia as a leader in sustainable aerospace innovation.
With the funding, Hypersonix plans to fast-track the development of a larger, fully reusable, hydrogen-fueled aircraft designed for various missions, including intelligence gathering and reconnaissance. This aircraft will measure eight metres long and feature four engines, further solidifying Australia’s role in the future of aerospace technology.
As these developments unfold, the global aerospace community will be closely watching Hypersonix’s progress. The potential for this technology to transform defense operations and contribute to a sustainable future is immense.
Stay tuned for more updates on this rapidly evolving story as Hypersonix embarks on a mission that could redefine aerospace capabilities for Australia and its allies.
