China's hypersonic missile leap: Raises tension with US
Chinese hypersonic air-to-air missiles have successfully passed high-temperature resistance tests, according to researchers involved in the project. The South China Morning Post reports that this is the first official confirmation of the development and existence of this type of weapon within China's arsenal. What is known about these missiles?
The People's Liberation Army (PLA) of China conducted advanced tests of a new hypersonic air-to-air missile in a wind tunnel with extreme thermal conditions. The tests aimed to verify the weapon's resistance to high temperatures experienced at hypersonic speeds. Information about this was published in the peer-reviewed journal "Equipment Environmental Engineering," notes The South China Morning Post.
China's new hypersonic missile
The project is led by a team of scientists headed by Cheng Gong and Huang Yimin from the Chinese Academy of Airborne Missile Academy (CAMA), the primary supplier of air-to-air weaponry for China's air force. The tests were conducted in a specialised wind tunnel that produces airflow at temperatures reaching thousands or even tens of thousands of degrees Celsius.
The tunnel, located in Luoyang, Henan province, is primarily used for the most challenging missions and tasks, such as simulating the landing of the Tianwen-1 probe on Mars. Due to its enormous energy consumption, its operation is extremely expensive.
What is known about the new Chinese weapon?
The Bulgarian Military service explains that the new Chinese missile is notable not only for its heat resistance but also for its range and speed. Experts estimate that its range may exceed 1,000 kilometres, which significantly surpasses the capabilities of current Chinese air-to-air missiles, such as the PL-17. Additionally, its hypersonic speed, exceeding Mach 5, makes it difficult to intercept with current missile defence systems.
For now, detailed information about the missile itself and its capabilities is lacking. However, it is possible that the missile will be carried by fighter jets like the Chengdu J-20 and Shenyang J-16. The first of these aircraft, the J-20, with its advanced stealth technology and long range, is an ideal candidate for this role. On the other hand, the J-16, although lacking stealth technology, offers versatility and the ability to carry heavier loads.
The new missile could pose an unprecedented threat to American military aircraft, including the B-21 Raider bomber, which is currently undergoing flight tests. As noted by The South China Morning Post, the official confirmation of the existence of this weapon increases tensions in the technological race between the United States and China—especially since the United States has not yet deployed hypersonic weapons, and the development of the Dark Eagle system faces numerous challenges.
