The US is increasing hypersonic weapon investment in 2020 to $2.6 billion.
The UK has a $12 million contract with Rolls-Royce to develop high-Mach aircraft propulsion systems.
Russia has the Avangard and the 3M22 Tsirkon (aka Zircon)—and has reportedly fielded the Kh-47M2 Kinzhal (“Dagger”), a maneuvering air-launched ballistic missile. The US believes the Avangard will not be operational until 2020.
Kinzhal has a top speed of mach 10.
Avangard has a top speed of mach 20.
China has successfully tested the DF-17, a medium-range ballistic missile specifically designed to launch HGVs. U.S. intelligence analysts think the DF-17 has a range of approximately 1,000 to 1,500 miles.
China has tested the DF-41 intercontinental ballistic missile, which could be modified to carry a conventional or nuclear HGV (Hypersonic Glide Vehicle).
China has tested the DF-ZF HGV (aka WU-14) at least nine times since 2014. It has a range of about 1,200 miles and should be very maneuverable. It could be operational as early as 2020.
China’s Starry Sky-2 is a waverider that uses powered flight after launch and derives lift from its own shockwaves. CAAA claims the vehicle reached top speeds of Mach 6 and executed a series of in-flight maneuvers before landing. The Starry Sky-2 could be operational by 2025.
USD R&E Michael Griffin has stated that the United States will not have a defensive capability against hypersonic weapons until the mid to late 2020s.
Brian Wang is a prolific business-oriented writer of emerging and disruptive technologies. He is known for insightful articles that combine business and technical analysis that catches the attention of the general public and is also useful for those in the industries. He is the sole author and writer of
nextbigfuture.com, the top online science blog. He is also involved in angel investing and raising funds for breakthrough technology startup companies.
He gave the recent keynote presentation at Monte Jade event with a talk entitled the Future for You. He gave an annual update on molecular nanotechnology at Singularity University on nanotechnology, gave a TEDX talk on energy, and advises USC ASTE 527 (advanced space projects program). He has been interviewed for radio, professional organizations. podcasts and corporate events. He was recently interviewed by the radio program Steel on Steel on satellites and high altitude balloons that will track all movement in many parts of the USA.
He fundraises for various high impact technology companies and has worked in computer technology, insurance, healthcare and with corporate finance.
He has substantial familiarity with a broad range of breakthrough technologies like age reversal and antiaging, quantum computers, artificial intelligence, ocean tech, agtech, nuclear fission, advanced nuclear fission, space propulsion, satellites, imaging, molecular nanotechnology, biotechnology, medicine, blockchain, crypto and many other areas.
