Fast, French and furious: DGA tests hypersonic glide vehicle
The firing of the VMAX hypersonic glide vehicle. (Photo: DGA)
Yesterday, the French DGA conducted the first tiring of its VMaX hypersonic glide vehicle demonstrator from Biscarrosse.
The test sees France enter into a small club of hypersonic glide vehicle testers, having launched the system from Biscarosse in the Southwest of France.
In a statement, the DGA said: ‘This first demonstrator contained many on-board technological innovations. Its flight test, on a very demanding long-range trajectory, was an unprecedented technical challenge that paves the way for the future of our national hypervelocity roadmap.’
Paris is now working on analysing data recovered from the test ahead of further experimental flights.
Militaries across the world are seeking hypersonic weapons for their combination of speed and manoeuvrability.
Hypersonic glide vehicles pose
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![NSPA outlines next steps for NATO’s Next-Generation Rotorcraft Capability effort]()
NSPA outlines next steps for NATO’s Next-Generation Rotorcraft Capability effort
The NATO agency gave further updates on the next stages of its rotorcraft programme and timelines for the next three years, with the initiative aimed at replacing ageing medium-lift helicopters in various NATO countries.
-
![UK’s New Medium Helicopter deal finalisation on horizon, alludes Leonardo CEO]()
UK’s New Medium Helicopter deal finalisation on horizon, alludes Leonardo CEO
A potential announcement within days could end speculation around the UK Ministry of Defence’s procurement direction for the NMH programme.
-
![UK Royal Navy notes hybrid air wing progress with eyes on Peregrine drone development]()
UK Royal Navy notes hybrid air wing progress with eyes on Peregrine drone development
The Royal Navy’s Maritime Aviation Transformation (MATX) initiative aims to modernise aviation capabilities to use uncrewed systems where possible, supporting its goal of a hybrid air wing by 2040.
-
![Middle East UAV market underscored by $17bn in unsigned deals]()
Middle East UAV market underscored by $17bn in unsigned deals
While several UAV programmes remain unawarded in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia is forecast to be the biggest spender with its potential MQ-9B and Gambit deals overshadowing others in the region.
-
![February Drone Digest: US manufacturers face the Gauntlet and find success abroad]()
February Drone Digest: US manufacturers face the Gauntlet and find success abroad
The US launched the Gauntlet test in February as part of its accelerated attack drone procurement effort while also exploring various naval capabilities that could lead to procurements down the line. Shield AI’s V-Bat, meanwhile, has been stirring up global interest.
-
![Leonardo UK “optimistic” on further Proteus funding, confirms international interest]()
Leonardo UK “optimistic” on further Proteus funding, confirms international interest
The Proteus demonstrator is being pitched as a key platform showcasing the UK’s capabilities to build autonomous systems, with Leonardo in ongoing discussions about the future of the programme with the Royal Navy and UK Ministry of Defence.
