“Europe aims at Mach 5”: the first hydrogen hypersonic plane promises to revolutionize air transport

The search for hypersonic technologies has taken a new dimension in Europe thanks to the European Space Agency (ESA). Moreover, In partnership with Frazer-Nash, an engineering company in the United Kingdom, ESA launched the Invictus program. However, This ambitious project aims to develop an experimental vehicle fully reusable “europe aims mach 5”: first capable of flying at hypersonic speeds, reaching Mach 5. Therefore, This initiative is part of the general support for ESA. For example, technological development technology programs, and promises to transform the future of horizontal launches.

The Invictus program – a hypersonic test vehicle from ESA – "europe aims mach 5": first

The Invictus program focuses on the design of a. Therefore, hypersonic vehicle capable of resisting the extreme conditions necessary to fly safely at these speeds. Meanwhile, The main challenges include intense heat management generated by air friction and thermal shock. Moreover, A suitable propulsion system is crucial To reach these hypersonic speeds. For example, and Invictus uses a hydrogen propulsion system with pre-referred air breathing. Nevertheless, This innovative system makes it possible to test the full path of the engine flow. However, from the input to the afterburner, on a real scale.

According to David PerigoESA chemical propulsion engineer. the program technical manager of the “europe aims mach 5”: first program, the success of Invictus will demonstrate the relevance of this propulsion system for horizontal takeoff and hypersonic flight. This represents an invaluable opportunity to test these technologies in a relevant environment.

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Past technological advances to support this “europe aims mach 5”: first ambitious program

The Invictus pre-referral system is based on the lessons learned from the SABRE study of ESA. developed by Reaction Engines LTD and funded by the ESA general support for technology program. This technology has already proven itself with integration into conventional jet engines. cooling overheated air into a fraction of a second. A light architecture. similar to that of the saber engine, opens the track to space planes capable of peeling off horizontally From a track.

Mark Ford. head of the ESA chemical propulsion section, considers Invictus as a crucial step to develop the technologies necessary for future space planes. Tommaso Ghidinihead of the ESA mechanical department. adds that hypersonic flights represent a new era of mobility, defense and access to space. Mastering this reusable. air breathing propulsion will provide Europe with the basis for aircraft decolving like planes and reaching orbit as rockets.

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International competition in the race for hypersonic technologies

Over the past decade. the missile and hypersonic vehicle race has intensified, with China in mind, according to its own declarations. Beijing has tested reusable drones capable of traveling at hypersonic speeds. The war between Russia and Ukraine also saw the use of hypersonic missiles by Moscow against areas controlled by Kyiv. They “europe aims mach 5”: first were also a major concern for Israel during the conflict with Iran.

Faced with these developments. Europe and the United States are beginning to recognize the need to Develop technologies capable of flying at ultra -rapid speeds if necessary. The ESA Invictus program could thus allow European nations to position themselves in this race for hypersonic supremacy.

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The involvement of partners. future objectives

In addition to Frazer-Nash, the Invictus consortium also includes Spirit Aero Systems and the University of Cranfield, in the United Kingdom. The first objective, set at twelve months, is to deliver the preliminary design of the full flight system. This step marks the beginning of a collaboration which aims to push the current limits of hypersonic travel.

It is an opportunity for industry, other agencies and the academic world to test hypersonic technologies in real conditions. The success of Invictus could redefine the future of air launchesoffering greater flexibility. potentially reduced costs for access to space.

The ESA Invictus program marks a turning point in the development of hypersonic technologies in Europe. With the support of strategic partners, it promises to transform the launch and flight capacities. How will these technological advances influence Europe’s “europe aims mach 5”: first position in the global hypersonic flight arena?

This article is based on verified sources and the assistance of editorial technologies.

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