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For the first time, hypersonic missile reaches more than 6.5 Mach in low-level flight

First of two tests as part of ongoing research and technology project successfully completed

Unterschleissheim, 27 February 2002

During a flight test at a German test site, an EADS/LFK missile designed according to a new integral concept reached a speed of over 6.5 Mach - that is more than 2.1 kilometres per second - in low-level flight. The successful test was carried out as part of the Hypersonic Missile research and technology project, which the Federal Office for Defence Technology and Procurement (Koblenz/Germany) had commissioned EADS/LFK in October 2000 to investigate over a three-year period. EADS/LFK is the German guided missile company of EADS European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company.

With the support of the Bundeswehr Technical Centres WTD 71 and WTD 91, the aim of the test - investigation of the new engine and the innovative aerodynamic control system - could be fulfilled completely. The conically-shaped high-thrust engine, which was designed by the EADS subsidiary Bayern-Chemie, confirmed its capabilities. The engine was designed with regard to optimal utilisation of momentum and aerodynamic stability. The effectiveness of the lattice fins, which are an important part of the aerodynamic control system, has been proved fully. Evaluations of the test results have up to now shown that the prescribed roll rate of the missile has been reached. To measure this, a magnetic field sensor from the Franco-German research institute ISL was used for the first time.

"Through attaining speeds which have never before been reached, our engineers have given an impressive demonstration of the technological capabilities of our company. Using the hypersonic test bed, we are able to investigate a broad variety of technical and physical phenomena in the high-speed range which will be of advantage to future applications," comments Werner Kaltenegger, CEO of EADS/LFK, on the research work.

Following the evaluation of all test results, a further flight test within the framework of the Hypersonic Missile research and technology project is due to take place in Germany before 2003.

In the future, powerful and advanced high-speed guided missile systems are expected to be employed in the fields of air defence and ground target engagement.

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