MDA conducts first Hypersonic Test Bed flight experiment

The US Missile Defense Agency (MDA) and its partners have successfully conducted the first flight of the Hypersonic Test Bed (HTB) designed to provide a common platform for hypersonic experiments. According to San Diego-based company Kratos the HTB was Kratos’s Erinyes vehicle.

During the test, designated HTB-1, the vehicle was propelled into hypersonic flight. The flight of HTB-1 permitted collection on numerous experiments, both internal and external, allowing relevant testing in a hypersonic environment.

“Hypersonic experimenters now have a robust and affordable path across the Technology Readiness Level,” said Dave Carter, President of Kratos’ Defence & Rocket Support Systems Division. “The ability to demonstrate experimental technologies on a real hypersonic flight testbed, without adding risk to programs of record, is game-changing.”

“This test was a huge success for MDA and our partners, marking the beginning of an affordable test bed to conduct hypersonic experiments. HTB-1 represents a significant step forward in hypersonic testing capability,” said LTGen Heath Collins, MDA Director.

The HTB concept will serve as a key component by increasing the overall testing capacity and cadence of the US to enable rapid technology development and delivery to the warfighter.