Five times faster than the speed of sound

Saab has developed and, in an advanced test, launched three hypersonic missiles to demonstrate how these can be designed for controlled flight at extreme speeds.


(The missile was test launched at a maximum velocity exceeding Mach 5.5 and successfully demonstrated that it is possible to manoeuvre a missile at hypersonic speed. Photo by Anders Åberg, Rymdbolaget.)

12/20/2007 | Saab Bofors Dynamics has developed an experimental missile, in a technology program financed by the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV). The missile, three of which were built, has now been test launched at a maximum velocity exceeding Mach 5.5, corresponding to 6500 km/h.

The test was successful, and Saab thereby becomes the first to demonstrate that it is possible to manoeuvre a missile at hypersonic speed.

Moreover, the test successfully shows how a missile can be designed regarding materials, aerodynamics and guidance systems to enable controlled flight at hypersonic speeds.

“Once again Sweden and Saab have shown that we are at the leading edge. We are the first to demonstrate that it is possible to manoeuvre a missile at these enormous speeds”, says Sören Wigren, program manager at Saab Bofors Dynamics.
More difficult to oppose

In the first two test launches the missile’s capacity for lateral manoeuvring and the ability to fly without rotating around its own axis were demonstrated. At the third launch the missile was guided on a programmed flight path.

A manoeuvrable missile fired at hypersonic speeds is difficult to oppose. The speed means that reaction times are minimal and the missile’s hit ratio increases. At the same time the enormous speed means that it can be used against armoured targets.
A significant technological challenge

The experimental missile is a technology demonstrator that allows the study of the phenomena that occur during the test firing and the investigation of possible technical solutions for so called hypersonic missiles. Designing missiles for the phenomena that occur at such extreme speeds is a considerable challenge. The wind’s forces on fuselage and wings give unpredictable deflections. There is also significant heating resulting from the friction with the air.

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