This website collects cookies to deliver better user experience. Cookie Policy
Accept
Sign In
The Wall Street Publication
  • Home
  • Trending
  • U.S
  • World
  • Politics
  • Business
    • Business
    • Economy
    • Real Estate
    • Markets
    • Personal Finance
  • Tech
  • Lifestyle
    • Lifestyle
    • Style
    • Arts
  • Health
  • Sports
  • Entertainment
Reading: What Are Hypersonic Missiles and Who’s Developing Them?
Share
The Wall Street PublicationThe Wall Street Publication
Font ResizerAa
Search
  • Home
  • Trending
  • U.S
  • World
  • Politics
  • Business
    • Business
    • Economy
    • Real Estate
    • Markets
    • Personal Finance
  • Tech
  • Lifestyle
    • Lifestyle
    • Style
    • Arts
  • Health
  • Sports
  • Entertainment
Have an existing account? Sign In
Follow US
© 2024 The Wall Street Publication. All Rights Reserved.
The Wall Street Publication > Blog > Tech > What Are Hypersonic Missiles and Who’s Developing Them?
Tech

What Are Hypersonic Missiles and Who’s Developing Them?

Editorial Board Published February 1, 2022
Share
What Are Hypersonic Missiles and Who’s Developing Them?
SHARE

Recent hypersonic missile tests by North Korea and China have highlighted the challenge of coming up with effective defenses against the advanced weapons, as well as the difficulties the U.S. has had in developing its own hypersonic-missile program. Here’s a guide to hypersonic missiles.

Contents
What are hypersonic missiles?DF-17 hypersonic ballistic missiles were featured in a parade in Beijing on Oct. 1, 2019.What are the advantages of hypersonic missiles compared with other missiles?Can hypersonic ballistic missiles be intercepted?A Zircon hypersonic cruise missile launched from a Russian frigate on July 19, 2021.Which countries are developing hypersonic missiles?North Korea has been testing a lot of missiles. Are any of them hypersonic ballistic missiles?What about the U.S.?
What are hypersonic missiles?

“Hypersonic” means more than five times the speed of sound, or just over a mile a second. But in common military terminology, not every missile traveling at hypersonic speed is called a hypersonic missile. The term is generally reserved for missiles that can be maneuvered before hitting their target and don’t follow a simple, straight course.

There are two main types of hypersonic missiles. The first is launched on a ballistic course. “Ballistic” refers to the curved arc of any projectile shot into the air, and in this case the arc tops out high above the earth. As it begins its descent, the tip carrying the warhead heads back to earth at hypersonic speed with the ability to change course throughout its flight.

This tip is called a glide vehicle because it doesn’t have its own power source like a jet airplane’s fuel tank—it moves, or glides, while being buffeted by forces such as aerodynamic lift and drag. A variant called a maneuverable re-entry vehicle typically makes just a single turn before reaching its target.

The second type of hypersonic missile is a cruise missile. It flies on a flatter course and is powered throughout its flight, so it isn’t a glider.

DF-17 hypersonic ballistic missiles were featured in a parade in Beijing on Oct. 1, 2019.

Photo: xinhua/EPA/Shutterstock

What are the advantages of hypersonic missiles compared with other missiles?

Because of their maneuverability, hypersonic ballistic missiles are harder to track and destroy. They often begin their descent at lower altitudes than other ballistic missiles, which may allow them to fly below the coverage area of land- or sea-based radar-detection systems.

As for cruise missiles, most common types currently travel at less than hypersonic speed. Making the missile fly faster has obvious advantages in catching an opponent by surprise, but also requires more advanced propulsion technology.

Can hypersonic ballistic missiles be intercepted?

It is difficult with existing missile defenses because of the missiles’ combination of speed and an unpredictable flight path. The U.S. issued contracts to three defense contractors in November 2021 to develop interceptor missiles against hypersonic missiles, but American officials have said it will likely take until the middle of this decade to develop a defensive capability.

A Zircon hypersonic cruise missile launched from a Russian frigate on July 19, 2021.

Photo: Russian Defense Ministry Press Service/Associated Press

Which countries are developing hypersonic missiles?

China has conducted hundreds of hypersonic ballistic missile tests, according to the former vice chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. John Hyten, including two in the summer of 2021 in which missiles circuited the globe. Russia is developing both ballistic and cruise hypersonic missiles. Several other countries, including the U.K. and India, are researching them.

North Korea has been testing a lot of missiles. Are any of them hypersonic ballistic missiles?

Quite possibly. Keep in mind that, under common military terminology, “hypersonic ballistic missile” refers to a missile with a maneuverable warhead traveling at hypersonic speed. After North Korea tested a ballistic missile on Jan. 11, Japanese officials said their tracking data showed the missile turned sharply before it landed in the sea. That suggested it was a hypersonic ballistic missile, which is how North Korea’s official media described it.

Other recent North Korean missile tests, including one on Jan. 30, didn’t involve maneuverable warheads.

What about the U.S.?

The U.S. has several programs to develop hypersonic glide vehicles and hypersonic cruise missiles but suffered two failed tests of a hypersonic glide vehicle in 2021. U.S. defense officials say the development of hypersonic missiles is now a priority.

This article may be updated.

From railway-launched missiles to hypersonic ones, North Korea has been displaying new weapons alongside its nuclear bombs and submarines. WSJ takes a look at Pyongyang’s growing arsenal to see what message it sends to the world. Composite: Diana Chan

Write to Alastair Gale at [email protected]

Copyright ©2022 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 87990cbe856818d5eddac44c7b1cdeb8

TAGGED:Tech NewsWall Street Publication
Share This Article
Twitter Email Copy Link Print
Previous Article Sony’s Bungie Jump Won’t Scare Microsoft Sony’s Bungie Jump Won’t Scare Microsoft
Next Article Rio Tinto Says Racism, Sexual Harassment Widespread at Miner Rio Tinto Says Racism, Sexual Harassment Widespread at Miner

Editor's Pick

Alyssa Farah Griffin: ‘The View’ Co-Host is Pregnant With Child #1!

Alyssa Farah Griffin: ‘The View’ Co-Host is Pregnant With Child #1!

Studying Time: 3 minutes The View co-host Alyssa Farah Griffin is pregnant! On ‘The View,’ Alyssa Farah Griffin breaks the…

By Editorial Board 3 Min Read
Melissa Rycroft Admits to Actually “Struggling” in Wake of DUI Arrest
Melissa Rycroft Admits to Actually “Struggling” in Wake of DUI Arrest

Studying Time: 3 minutes Melissa Rycroft is in a darkish place proper…

4 Min Read
Amy Duggar Describes Studying Grandfather Was a ‘Predator’
Amy Duggar Describes Studying Grandfather Was a ‘Predator’

Studying Time: 4 minutes Amy Duggar King grew up figuring out and…

6 Min Read

Oponion

Tech Rout Fueled by Bond-Market Turn

Tech Rout Fueled by Bond-Market Turn

Spooked in large part by rising bond yields, investors continued…

January 23, 2022

Elon Musk, Twitter to Face Off at Wide-Ranging Hearing

By Sarah E. NeedlemanSept. 6, 2022…

September 6, 2022

Tesla affords huge $1 trillion pay package deal to Elon Musk

Circle Squared Various Investments founder Jeff…

September 5, 2025

Mattress Tub & Past model is coming again to bodily shops

Mattress Tub & Past CEO Jonathan…

October 16, 2024

America’s top-selling automobile faces manufacturing hit after fireplace at provider facility, analyst says

Ford Professional Government Director of North…

October 8, 2025

You Might Also Like

Your Cat In all probability Is not Ingesting Sufficient Water. A Fountain Can Assist.
Tech

Your Cat In all probability Is not Ingesting Sufficient Water. A Fountain Can Assist.

Evaluate Our PicksOthers We ExaminedCourtesy of PetkikPetkit Eversweet Max for $90: This techy computerized fountain will be both cordless or…

17 Min Read
Wish to Begin a Web site? These Are the Finest Web site Builders
Tech

Wish to Begin a Web site? These Are the Finest Web site Builders

Prime Web site BuildersFinest for Most IndividualsSquarespace CoreLearn ExtraFinest Low cost Web site BuilderHostinger Web site BuilderLearn ExtraFinest for Small…

5 Min Read
Specialised’s New Electrical Mountain Bike Is So Enjoyable I Forgot to Go House
Tech

Specialised’s New Electrical Mountain Bike Is So Enjoyable I Forgot to Go House

The following experience was on singletrack from my home to Spirit Mountain, Duluth’s downhill lift-accessed park with 24 trails starting…

4 Min Read
The Greatest Carpet Cleaners We have Discovered, Examined in Busy Households
Tech

The Greatest Carpet Cleaners We have Discovered, Examined in Busy Households

Evaluate Our PicksOthers Examined{Photograph}: Simon HillHoover HF4 Hydro for £199: For UK people in flats or small homes with a…

11 Min Read
The Wall Street Publication

About Us

The Wall Street Publication, a distinguished part of the Enspirers News Group, stands as a beacon of excellence in journalism. Committed to delivering unfiltered global news, we pride ourselves on our trusted coverage of Politics, Business, Technology, and more.

Company

  • About Us
  • Newsroom Policies & Standards
  • Diversity & Inclusion
  • Careers
  • Media & Community Relations
  • WP Creative Group
  • Accessibility Statement

Contact

  • Contact Us
  • Contact Customer Care
  • Advertise
  • Licensing & Syndication
  • Request a Correction
  • Contact the Newsroom
  • Send a News Tip
  • Report a Vulnerability

Term of Use

  • Digital Products Terms of Sale
  • Terms of Service
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Settings
  • Submissions & Discussion Policy
  • RSS Terms of Service
  • Ad Choices

© 2024 The Wall Street Publication. All Rights Reserved.

Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Lost your password?