China’s top scientific body has launched a new research program focused on low-altitude hypersonic flight, a technology that could eventually support advanced military systems capable of flying at more than five times the speed of sound near the sea surface.
According to the report, the initiative is being led by the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) in partnership with leading research institutions, including the University of Science and Technology of China.
Researchers will study technologies that could help future hypersonic vehicles evade radar detection, reduce warning times, and penetrate air-defense networks.
The report said China already fields hypersonic weapons, but existing systems primarily operate at high altitudes. Flying at low altitudes presents greater engineering challenges, including increased air resistance, extreme heat, and more demanding propulsion requirements.
Scientists involved in the project plan to explore advanced aerodynamic designs and detonation-based propulsion systems. CAS officials said the effort aims to achieve scientific breakthroughs that could support future hypersonic missiles, unmanned aircraft, and other next-generation defense technologies.
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