Summary

This research presents the results of an investigation that was set out to iden-tify the features of hyper-sonic cruise missiles and hyper-sonic glide vehicles that makes them undetectable on air defense systems. It presents the risks associ-ated with the usage of hyper-sonic missiles and possible solutions to detecting such weapons when in flight. Data was collected through critical assessment of previous literature and studies and in depth analysis of diagrams and blueprints of hyper-sonic missiles. From the research conducted, it was yielded that of all the features of a hyper-sonic missile, the main features that made it unde-tectable was its hyper-sonic speed, atmospheric maneuverability and precision. This type of missile can travel between 5 and 25 times the speed of sound, which is about 1 to 5 miles per second. Due to its speed, it can change trajectories quickly, resulting in confusion amongst air defense systems. Other features such as its ability to travel at low altitudes and its high precision also renders it un-detectable. Currently, no country in the world has a defense system capable of detecting and counteracting a hyper-sonic missile. This inability creates panic and discomfort amongst some of the greatest world powers, thus creating a race to build a system capable of countering imminent hyper-sonic attacks.

Genre: Other

Author: Nicolette Beavers

Status: Complete

Chapters: 8

Rating: n/a

Age Rating: 13+

Abstract

”The speed of hyper-sonic missiles causes it to change trajectories quickly, thus rendering the missile undetectable on air defense systems.”

Keywords

hypersonic missile, threat, air defense systems, Mach 5, military

Abstract

This research presents the results of an investigation set out to identify the features of hyper-sonic cruise missiles and hypersonic glide vehicles that make them undetectable on air defense systems. It presents the risks associated with the usage of hyper-sonic missiles and possible solutions to detecting such weapons when in flight. Data was collected through critical assessment of previous literature and studies and in depth analysis of diagrams and blueprints of hyper-sonic missiles. From the research conducted, it was yielded that of all the features of a hyper-sonic missile, the main features that made it unde-tectable was its hyper-sonic speed, atmospheric maneuverability and precision. This type of missile can travel between 5 and 25 times the speed of sound, which is about 1 to 5 miles per second. Due to its speed, it can change trajectories quickly, resulting in confusion amongst air defense systems. Other features such as its ability to travel at low altitudes and its high precision also renders it un-detectable. Currently, no country in the world has a defense system capable of detecting and counteracting a hyper-sonic missile. This inability creates panic and discomfort amongst some of the greatest world powers, thus creating a race to build a system capable of countering imminent hyper-sonic attacks.