Hypersonica says its missile exceeded Mach 6 in Andøya test launch
It is a major milestone on our pathway to developing Europe’s first sovereign hypersonic strike capability, the Anglo-German defence and aerospace company says.
"Made in Europe. For Europe," reads the trademark slogan of the company that on February 3 test launched its new missile prototype at the Andøya Space launch site in Northern Norway.
According to the company, the missile successfully accelerated to speeds exceeding Mach 6 with a range of over 300km.
“Hypersonica has achieved a major milestone on our pathway to developing Europe’s first sovereign hypersonic strike capability by 2029," say Hypersonica co-founders Philipp Kerth and Marc Ewenz.
“This is a proud moment for European defence innovation. As Europeans grounded in the values of freedom and democracy, we pursue this work with a clear sense of responsibility for the safe and principled development of this cutting‑edge technology," they add.
Reportedly, Hypersonica is the first privately funded European defence company to have achieved a hypersonic missile test flight.
Hypersonica is one of several European space and defence companies that now use the facilities at Andøya. The Arctic island is seen as a well-suited place for testing of new missiles. The missiles are launched to designated areas in the Norwegian Sea.
“We are very proud to have been selected as a launch site for this mission,” says Kolbjørn Blix, Head of Andøya Space’s suborbital division.
“It was a flawless flight and an important first step for Hypersonica in their efforts to strengthen Europe’s access to hypersonic flight technologies,” he adds.
