Hypersonix receives ceramic matrix composite scramjet manufacturing demonstrator

Hypersonix (Sydney, Australia) has taken delivery of a technology demonstrator version of its hydrogen-powered Spartan scramjet engine  manufactured in high-temperature ceramic matrix composite (HTCMC) from a leading European aerospace manufacturer. HTCMC parts are capable of resisting repeated cycles of extreme heating and cooling, which makes them a material of choice for Hypersonix’ planned re-useable hypersonic vehicles.

DART AE and Spartan scramjet

Hypersonix is currently building DART AE, an unmanned hypersonic flight demonstrator as a test vehicle designed to allow customers to investigate flight conditions, data transmission and maneuverability at hypersonic speeds. DART AE will reportedly also be able to gain valuable data and insights on hypersonic operations at a much more affordable price than currently available from other hypersonic programs. The single-use DART AE will be 3D-printed out of high temperature alloys, enabling quick turnaround between flights and a high cadence of testing as well as rapid availability of additional units.

DART AE is powered by the multi-award-winning and U.S. patented  Spartan scramjet engine, which is now available in 3D-printed Inconel 718 in cooperation with Amiga Engineering (Tullamarine, Australia). This version of Spartan is capable of speeds of up to Mach 7. 

HTCMC demonstrator

The high heat generated by friction with air when traveling at speeds of Mach 5 or higher can compromise the structural integrity of hypersonic vehicle components. Hypersonix’ HTCMC technology demonstrator project has perfected the design and techniques required to offer a version of Spartan that can operate at up to Mach 12 and sustain repeated flights.

Customers are now expressing a need for such a vehicle, that is re-useable, with aircraft-like operation, including landing gear and flexible launch options. Hypersonix’ mission is indeed to enable affordable, sustainable access to space and greener aerospace technologies. The completion of the manufacturing pilot of a HTCMC scramjet is a major development for the company.

HTCMC are next-generation composites developed to handle the exteme heat and mechanical pressures required for high Mach number flight. Qualification of these materials for hypersonic applications requires manufacturing demonstrators that replicate the complex geometry of scramjets. These allow the analysis of hydrogen and air flows within the engine yet can be produced rapidly and economically.

A Spartan scramjet engine made using HTCMC will fly faster on longer missions, turning the self-igniting engine off and on again several times during the flight and skipping through the atmosphere like an airplane.

Michael Smart, CTO, head of R&D and Hypersonix cofounder says it was a huge moment for the engineering team to unpack this demonstrator for the composite version of Spartan. Designed by Hypersonix, he explains the demonstrator component was “produced in a very complex and never-done-before process working very closely over the last 2 years with a team of experts in Germany. We have been very grateful for their willingness to take this project on and for bringing their expertise and input to the table.”

“Although we are focusing most of our energy this year on setting up our DART AE manufacturing capacity, Hypersonix is already working on the next steps in our product roadmap,” says David Waterhouse, managing director of Hypersonix, “and taking the composite scramjet to a manufacturing ready state. Australia is leading the world in scramjets and hypersonic technology; Hypersonix is looking to capitalize on our leading position, with the support of Commonwealth grants. HTCMC technology is in its infancy in Australia, so we are working with various parties to speed up applications, and would welcome orders from Australia and state government’s support in maturing and making HTCMC products here.”