Second Hypersonic Test Bed flight completed for US Missile Defence Agency
The MDA supported NASA’s successful launch of the HTB flyer demonstration on 13 January from Wallops Flight Facility. (Photo: MDA)
The US Missile Defence Agency (MDA) teamed up with other Department of Defense organisations, industry and academia to conduct the test.
The US MDA completed the second flight test of the Hypersonic Test Bed (HTB), a test designated HTB-2, on 13 January, just days after Kratos Defense & Security Solutions was awarded a US$1.5 billion contract to support hypersonic development work.
During HTB-2, a sounding rocket propelled the glide vehicle into hypersonic flight prior to separation.
MDA director Lt Gen Heath Collins said the test “demonstrates our ability to affordably replicate hypersonic capabilities to enable testing of future hypersonic defence capabilities”.
Collins remarked: “The data gained from this flight test will enable further pursuit of state-of-the-art hypersonic technologies that can operate reliably
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![What lessons could Europe learn from air power use in Ukraine?]()
What lessons could Europe learn from air power use in Ukraine?
The use of air power by both sides in the ongoing conflict has been extensively focused on, influencing policy and procurement around the world. But are the lessons from the front line universally applicable, or should other nations be planning for very different scenarios?
-
![Paraguayan Air Force receives four A-29 Super Tucano aircraft]()
Paraguayan Air Force receives four A-29 Super Tucano aircraft
Six Super Tucano aircraft were ordered in July 2024, with Paraguay the fifth South American country to add the aircraft to modernise its fleet.
-
![Baykar completes Piaggio Aerospace takeover with plans to boost drone production]()
Baykar completes Piaggio Aerospace takeover with plans to boost drone production
The takeover of the Italian firm by Baykar solidifies the company’s efforts to forge closer ties with Italian industry, bolsters its partnership with Leonardo to produce UAVs and secures its foothold in Europe.
-
![US budget boosts Boeing’s F-15EX with $3.1 billion investment to increase fleet to 129]()
US budget boosts Boeing’s F-15EX with $3.1 billion investment to increase fleet to 129
The F-15EX Eagle II had already been singled out for further funding in January 2025, when it was chosen to replace the A-10 aircraft for the US National Guard.
-
![Spain earmarks $1.6 billion for Hurjet trainer aircraft acquisition]()
Spain earmarks $1.6 billion for Hurjet trainer aircraft acquisition
Spain’s Defence Minister told the Senate Defense Commission on 27 June of the decision to acquire Turkish Aerospace Industries’ (TAI) trainers as the country seeks to replace its Northrop F-5M aircraft.
-
![Leonardo’s Proteus structural tests “nearing completion” ahead of first flight]()
Leonardo’s Proteus structural tests “nearing completion” ahead of first flight
The company has tested over 15 mission sets for the drone, with the rotorcraft used to demonstrate the viability of armed forces utilising large uncrewed aerial systems’ (UAS) for autonomous missions in the future.
