Australian firms join forces on hypersonic test capability

Hypersonix aims to launch VISR in 2030. (Hypersonix Launch Systems)

Australian aerospace firms Hypersonix and Gilmour Space Technologies have entered into an agreement to develop hypersonic flight-test capability for defence and commercial programmes.

Hypersonix announced on 8 September that the partnership aims to combine its scramjet propulsion and hypersonic vehicle technology with Gilmour Space's rocket propulsion, launch, mission integration, and flight-test capabilities.

According to Hypersonix, demand for hypersonic testing is being driven by the development of advanced sensors, communications, guidance systems, and high-temperature materials.

“Hypersonix needs an Australian-based booster company, and Gilmour Space and what they are developing is a perfect fit,” ‍Hypersonix CEO Matt Hill told Janes on 9 September.

Hill said in a company statement that defence customers require “more frequent, responsive, and accessible ways” to test technologies in representative hypersonic conditions. He added that the partnership with Gilmour Space would help Hypersonix meet this requirement at pace and scale while exploring new solutions for Australian and allied programmes, including under AUKUS Pillar II.

“We have been talking to … the Gilmour [team] for some time after our successful first launch … and with interest in markets outside of the US, Gilmour makes perfect sense,” Hill told Janes . “In Europe in particular, customers want boosters that can easily be exported in-market or used from Australia, and Gilmour has capabilities and regulatory advantages that are uniquely attractive.”

In February, Hypersonix completed the first flight of its DART AE hypersonic aircraft from NASA's Wallops Island, reaching hypersonic speeds greater than Mach 5. DART AE is designed to validate propulsion, materials, sensors, and guidance systems in real hypersonic flight conditions.