The Road to Hypersonic Weapons: Technical Challenges and Emerging Opportunities

Abstract

In the eternal arms race to maintain or regain a strategic advantage over its adversaries, the United States is turning its attention to the development of hypersonic weapons. The concept of a hypersonic weapon is not new - indeed the U.S. has developed them in some form or another for over 30 years. Yet as its adversaries - Russia and China most notably - push the development of hypersonic weapons and near the ability to field them, the U.S. has begun to increase its focus and funding on catching up. This article will discuss the current status of the Department of Defense's development efforts, it's challenges, and opportunities for the defense industry to contribute.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Oct 15, 2020
Accession Number
AD1139849

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Ballistic Missiles
  • Control Systems
  • Conventional Prompt Strike
  • Defense Industry
  • Department Of Defense
  • Engineering
  • Hypersonic Flight
  • Hypersonic Glide Vehicles
  • Hypersonic Missiles
  • Hypersonic Weapons
  • Procurement
  • Propulsion Systems
  • Satellite Networks
  • Test Facilities
  • United States

Readers

  • Aerospace Engineering.
  • Defense Technology Research and Development.
  • Educational Psychology

Technology Areas

  • Hypersonics