Reports suggest that scientists in China have successfully accomplished a breakthrough by enabling a drone to perform a horizontal runway landing after flying at hypersonic speeds.
This technological breakthrough, achieved after years of research, could pave the way for a new era in drone technology and design.
A report on the Bulgarian Military website states that the MD-19 hypersonic drone was launched from a Tengden TB-001 for its test flight.
The report notes that testing has been ongoing for several years, suggesting that the recently surfaced video might actually be somewhat dated.
Hypersonic drone achieves horizontal runway at airport
A video shared on X by multiple users shows a medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) drone, the Tengden TB-001, carrying the MD-19 hypersonic drone mid-flight.
The TB-001, developed by Tengoen of China, is a strike and reconnaissance unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) designed to meet the military’s requirements. Capable of carrying up to 6,172.9 pounds (2,800 kilograms), it serves as the launch platform for the MD-19 in this instance.
In the video, the TB-001 is seen releasing the MD-19 hypersonic drone mid-air, after which the footage captures the drone flying and successfully landing on a runway.
It is important to note that, unlike most hypersonic vessels typically used in military applications, the MD-19 can be safely recovered and reused after completing its mission.
This innovation could greatly reduce the costs associated with developing such advanced platforms.
Additionally, if reports are accurate, the MD-19 demonstrates an impressive capability to slow down from hypersonic to subsonic speeds for landing.
Another key advantage of this drone is its ability to be launched mid-air from other unmanned platforms, eliminating the need for runways and additional ground facilities.
According to the Bulgarian Military report, the MD-19 hypersonic drone likely uses a rocket engine instead of an air-breathing scramjet.
Further details about this hypersonic drone with horizontal landing capabilities are yet to be revealed and will likely remain classified until deemed appropriate by the authorities.
Breaking the sound barrier: The China way
China appears to be making remarkable strides in the development of advanced hypersonic weapons, vessels, and increasingly sophisticated drones.
Recently, Chinese scientists reported a major breakthrough: a hypersonic prototype resembling a jumbo jet successfully achieved speeds of Mach 6.5 during a flight test.
What sets this design apart is its deviation from the conventional slim concepts of hypersonic vehicles commonly seen worldwide. The test flight, conducted in the Gobi Desert in 2021, remained classified due to the high level of secrecy surrounding the project.
China’s advancements also include the development of a new hypersonic engine concept that combines a ramjet with a rotary detonation engine. Researchers at Tsinghua University in Beijing designed the Ram-Rotor Detonation Engine (RRDE), which merges detonation technology with a rotor compressor inspired by ramjets and rotary engines.
Earlier this year, China introduced a cutting-edge cooling device for hypersonic missiles, claiming it could extend their flight duration by up to two and a half hours.
With these groundbreaking innovations, China is positioning itself as a global leader in drones and hypersonic technology.
