Author: Richard H. Speier
Publisher: Rand Corporation
ISBN: 0833099167
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 155
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Book Description
Hypersonic missiles--specifically hypersonic glide vehicles and hypersonic cruise missiles--are a new class of threat because they are capable both of maneuvering and of flying faster than 5,000 kilometers per hour. These features enable such missiles to penetrate most missile defenses and to further compress the timelines for a response by a nation under attack. Hypersonic missiles are being developed by the United States, Russia, and China. Their proliferation beyond these three could result in other powers setting their strategic forces on hair-trigger states of readiness. And such proliferation could enable other powers to more credibly threaten attacks on major powers. The diffusion of hypersonic technology is under way in Europe, Japan, Australia, and India--with other nations beginning to explore such technology. Proliferation could cross multiple borders if hypersonic technology is offered on world markets. There is probably less than a decade available to substantially hinder the potential proliferation of hypersonic missiles and associated technologies. To this end, the report recommends that (1) the United States, Russia, and China should agree not to export complete hypersonic missile systems or their major components and (2) the broader international community should establish controls on a wider range of hypersonic missile hardware and technology.
Author: John T. Watts
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781619771116
Category :
Languages : en
Pages :
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Book Description
Author: Tom Karako
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield
ISBN: 1538140543
Category : Political Science
Languages : en
Pages : 69
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Book Description
In the past five years, Russia, China, and others have accelerated their development of hypersonic missiles to threaten U.S. forces in the homeland and abroad. The current Ballistic Missile Defense System, largely equipped to contend with legacy ballistic missile threats, must be adapted to this challenge. The same characteristics that make hypersonic missiles attractive may also hold the key to defeating them. This CSIS report argues how a new hypersonic defense architecture should exploit hypersonic weapons’ unique vulnerabilities and employ new capabilities, such as a space sensor layer, to secure critical nodes. These changes are not only necessary to mitigate the hypersonic threat but to defeat an emerging generation of maneuvering missiles and aerial threats.
Author: Robert Godwin
Publisher: Burlington, Ont. : Apogee Books
ISBN: 9781896522951
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 484
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Book Description
It was a Space Shuttle with a mission - to drop a weaponpayload anywhere on Earth and to do so while approachingits target at hypersonic velocity - 18,000 miles perhour. Between 1957 and 1963 the Dyna-Soar programconsumed $430 million of the US taxpayer's money.However, it never flew. Cancelled less than two weeksafter President ......
Author: National Research Council
Publisher: National Academies Press
ISBN: 0309061423
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 76
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Book Description
This study was undertaken in response to a request by the U.S. Air Force that the National Research Council (NRC) examine whether the technologies that underlie the concept of a hypersonic, air-launched, air-breathing, hydrocarbon-fueled missile with speeds up to Mach 81 can be demonstrated in time to be initially operational by 2015. To conduct the study, the NRC appointed the Committee on Review and Evaluation of the Air Force Hypersonic Technology Program, under the auspices of the Air Force Science and Technology Board.
Author: Charles Nehme
Publisher: Independently Published
ISBN:
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 0
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Book Description
Delving into the Realm of Hypersonic Missiles In the ever-evolving landscape of military technology, hypersonic missiles stand as a vanguard of innovation, poised to transform the face of warfare. These marvels of engineering, capable of exceeding Mach 5, shatter the boundaries of conventional weaponry, offering unparalleled speed, maneuverability, and destructive power. Their emergence has ignited a global arms race, as nations scramble to develop and deploy these formidable weapons systems. This comprehensive exploration of hypersonic missile technology embarks on a journey through the fascinating realm of hypersonic flight. From its origins in science fiction to its current status as a critical component of modern military arsenals, we delve into the intricate physics, propulsion concepts, and guidance systems that propel these marvels of engineering. Along the way, we encounter the challenges and opportunities presented by hypersonic weapons, exploring their impact on global security and the prospects for arms control. A Glimpse into the Future of Warfare As hypersonic missiles continue to evolve, their implications for warfare grow ever more profound. Their ability to penetrate hardened defenses, attack with unprecedented precision, and evade traditional missile defense systems poses a significant threat to the strategic balance of power. Moreover, their potential applications extend beyond traditional warfare, raising concerns about their use in asymmetric conflicts and the disruption of international stability. Navigating the Ethical Landscape The development and deployment of hypersonic weapons raise complex ethical and legal considerations. The potential for devastating civilian casualties, the erosion of arms control agreements, and the increased risk of escalation demand careful consideration and responsible stewardship of this revolutionary technology. Seeking Cooperation in a New Era In the face of these challenges, international cooperation is essential to mitigate the risks associated with hypersonic weapons. Fostering dialogue and finding common ground on arms control measures can help prevent the proliferation of these destabilizing technologies and promote global security. A Call for Responsible Innovation As we explore the frontiers of hypersonic missile technology, we must remain mindful of its potential impact on the world we inhabit. Responsible innovation demands a commitment to transparency, accountability, and the pursuit of peace. It is our collective responsibility to harness the power of technology for the betterment of humanity, not for its destruction. Join us on this journey as we unravel the mysteries of hypersonic missile technology, unraveling its potential for both destruction and innovation. Together, we can shape the future of warfare and ensure that the pursuit of progress does not come at the cost of humanity's safety and security.
Author: Charles Nehme
Publisher: Charles Nehme
ISBN:
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 36
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Book Description
Delving into the Realm of Hypersonic Missiles In the ever-evolving landscape of military technology, hypersonic missiles stand as a vanguard of innovation, poised to transform the face of warfare. These marvels of engineering, capable of exceeding Mach 5, shatter the boundaries of conventional weaponry, offering unparalleled speed, maneuverability, and destructive power. Their emergence has ignited a global arms race, as nations scramble to develop and deploy these formidable weapons systems. This comprehensive exploration of hypersonic missile technology embarks on a journey through the fascinating realm of hypersonic flight. From its origins in science fiction to its current status as a critical component of modern military arsenals, we delve into the intricate physics, propulsion concepts, and guidance systems that propel these marvels of engineering. Along the way, we encounter the challenges and opportunities presented by hypersonic weapons, exploring their impact on global security and the prospects for arms control. A Glimpse into the Future of Warfare As hypersonic missiles continue to evolve, their implications for warfare grow ever more profound. Their ability to penetrate hardened defenses, attack with unprecedented precision, and evade traditional missile defense systems poses a significant threat to the strategic balance of power. Moreover, their potential applications extend beyond traditional warfare, raising concerns about their use in asymmetric conflicts and the disruption of international stability. Navigating the Ethical Landscape The development and deployment of hypersonic weapons raise complex ethical and legal considerations. The potential for devastating civilian casualties, the erosion of arms control agreements, and the increased risk of escalation demand careful consideration and responsible stewardship of this revolutionary technology. Seeking Cooperation in a New Era In the face of these challenges, international cooperation is essential to mitigate the risks associated with hypersonic weapons. Fostering dialogue and finding common ground on arms control measures can help prevent the proliferation of these destabilizing technologies and promote global security. A Call for Responsible Innovation As we explore the frontiers of hypersonic missile technology, we must remain mindful of its potential impact on the world we inhabit. Responsible innovation demands a commitment to transparency, accountability, and the pursuit of peace. It is our collective responsibility to harness the power of technology for the betterment of humanity, not for its destruction. Join us on this journey as we unravel the mysteries of hypersonic missile technology, unraveling its potential for both destruction and innovation. Together, we can shape the future of warfare and ensure that the pursuit of progress does not come at the cost of humanity's safety and security.
Author: Kelley M Seyler
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781086895186
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 30
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Book Description
The United States has actively pursued the development of hypersonic weapons- maneuvering weapons that fly at speeds of at least Mach 5-as a part of its conventional prompt global strike program since the early 2000s. In recent years, the United States has focused such efforts on developing hypersonic glide vehicles, which are launched from a rocket before gliding to a target, and hypersonic cruise missiles, which are powered by high-speed, air-breathing engines during flight. As current Commander of U.S. Strategic Command General John Hyten has stated, these weapons could enable "responsive, long-range, strike options against distant, defended, and/or time-critical threats [such as road-mobile missiles] when other forces are unavailable, denied access, or not preferred." Critics, on the other hand, contend that hypersonic weapons lack defined mission requirements, contribute little to U.S. military capability, and are unnecessary for deterrence. Funding for hypersonic weapons has been relatively restrained in the past; however, both the Pentagon and Congress have shown a growing interest in pursuing the development and near-term deployment of hypersonic systems. This is due, in part, to the growing interest in these technologies in Russia and China, both of which have a number of hypersonic weapons programs and are expected to field an operational hypersonic glide vehicle- potentially armed with nuclear warheads-as early as 2020. The United States, in contrast to Russia and China, is not currently considering or developing hypersonic weapons for use with a nuclear warhead. As a result, U.S. hypersonic weapons will likely require greater accuracy and will be more technically challenging to develop than nuclear-armed Chinese and Russian systems. The Pentagon's FY2020 budget request for all hypersonic-related research is $2.6 billion, including $157.4 million for hypersonic defense programs. At present, the Department of Defense (DOD) has not established any programs of record for hypersonic weapons, suggesting that it may not have approved either requirements for the systems or long-term funding plans. Indeed, as Assistant Director for Hypersonics (Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering) Mike White has stated, DOD has not yet made a decision to acquire hypersonic weapons and is instead developing prototypes to assist in the evaluation of potential weapon system concepts and mission sets.
Author: Larry M. Wortzel
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Aerodynamics, Hypersonic
Languages : en
Pages : 0
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Book Description
"According to the Financial Times of 16 October 2021, "China tested a nuclear-capable hypersonic missile in August that circled the globe before speeding towards its target, demonstrating an advanced space capability that caught US intelligence by surprise." The remarkable thing about the test is that the warhead was launched into orbit, orbited Earth and reentered the atmosphere, approaching its target at hypersonic speed. Such a weapon would be capable of carrying a nuclear warhead. The United States has established defenses against intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) in Alaska, but the method used to attack the target by the People's Republic of China (PRC) missile would be capable of evading fixed U.S. defenses by avoiding the expected polar ballistic trajectory that the U.S. defenses are designed to intercept. This test by China has direct influence on the Army because the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command (SMDC) is responsible for detecting strategic attacks and protecting the U.S. homeland. SMDC defense systems are deployed to intercept ballistic missile warheads from only one direction, using a polar, or arctic, approach. Another SMDC mission is to enhance deterrence and detection of strategic attacks. The hypersonic threat is not only from China; Russia has successfully tested a naval hypersonic missile, the Zircon, and North Korea claims to have tested a hypersonic missile. Financial Times (FT) sources were surprised that China achieved the capability for such a weapon because the hypersonic glide vehicle carrying the warhead stayed in low-earth orbit, circling the globe before reentering the atmosphere to attack its target. Even though the warhead missed its target by a wide margin, China is far ahead of the United States in developing such capabilities; the United States has experienced a number of failures in developing hypersonic weapons. Why U.S. officials were so surprised by the test is a little bit of a mystery. China has been working on these missiles for decades, and the United States knew it. According to the Defense Intelligence Agency's 2019 China Military Power Report, the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) "is developing a range of technologies to counter U.S. and other countries' ballistic missile defense systems, including maneuverable reentry vehicles (MARVs), MIRVs [multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles], decoys, chaff, jamming, thermal shielding, and hypersonic glide vehicles" (emphasis added). If senior U.S. officials were surprised, it is because the intelligence community apparently underestimated China's capabilities in this area and failed to follow or appreciate years of mentions in Chinese research reports about work on hypersonic missiles in China, and perhaps underestimated the emphasis the PLA put on their development. Although the PRC warhead in the test missed its target by a wide margin of about two dozen miles, the FT article quotes U.S. experts and officials as saying that "China had made astounding progress on hypersonic weapons and was far more advanced than US officials realized." As noted previously, however, U.S. officials should not have been surprised by the development of hypersonic warheads in orbit by the Chinese People's Liberation Army Rocket Forces (PLARF). China has been conducting research on such hypersonic technology and weapons for some time. Put into practical defense and security terms, this involved putting warheads into low-earth orbit and having them seek targets on Earth. The strategy is not new. The Soviet Union experimented with this type of warhead in the early 1960s. The United States called it a "Fractional Orbital Bombardment System" during the Cold War period, but the U.S.S.R. eventually moved to other forms of deterrent systems designed to threaten the United States and China. Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara declared in November 1967 that the Russian Fractional Orbit Bombardment System tests did not violate the 1967 Outer Space Treaty. The PRC denied that any such test had been conducted. China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Zhao Lijian said the August test was "a spacecraft, not a missile," according to multiple media reports. U.S. officials do not believe Zhao's denial."--Introduction.
Author: Amy F. Woolf
Publisher: DIANE Publishing
ISBN: 143794258X
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 40
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Book Description
Contents: (1) Intro.; (2) Background: Rationale for the PGS Mission; PGS and the U.S. Strategic Command; Potential Targets for the PGS Mission; Conventional BM and the PGS Mission; (3) Plans and Programs: Navy Programs: Reentry Vehicle Research; Conventional Trident Modification; Sub.-Launched Intermediate-Range BM; Air Force Programs: The FALCON Study; Reentry Vehicle Research and Warhead Options; Missile Options; Defense-Wide Conventional PGS: The Conventional Strike Missile; Hypersonic Test Vehicle; Army Advanced Hypersonic Weapon; ArcLight; (4) Issues for Congress: Assessing the Rationale for CPGS; Reviewing the Alternatives; Arms Control Issues. A print on demand report.
