Hypersonic flight is flight through the atmosphere at speeds above Mach 5.5, or more than five times the speed of sound.
The flight last week represented a significant scientific milestone, enabling scientists to collect fundamental data critical to the design and development of an engine capable of sustained hypersonic flight.
It was the second in a series of up to ten planned flight experiments under a joint research program between DSTO and the US Air Force.
The Hypersonic International Flight Research Experimentation (HIFiRE) program is investigating the fundamental science of hypersonics technology and its potential for next-generation aeronautical systems.
Research being undertaken by DSTO and AFRL scientists is aimed at investigating fundamental air vehicle and propulsion technologies critical to the realisation of sustained hypersonic flight.
The continued collaboration between DSTO and the US Air Force Research Laboratory will help expedite the development of hypersonics technology and the potential for high-speed flights in the future.
On a related note, Nova Defence has been selected to develop the Woomera Operational Concept Document under Joint Project 3024 for Capability Development Group.
The Woomera Range Upgrade is essential to the successes of a number of Defence T&E programs in the near future.