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Economic Times
02-07-2025
- Science
- Economic Times
China tests Feitian 2 hypersonic missile powered by kerosene and air-breathing tech that could reshape the future of missiles
In a key advancement for hypersonic technology, China has completed a successful test flight of its Feitian 2 hypersonic vehicle in northwestern China. The test demonstrated the vehicle's ability to switch between different propulsion modes during flight, a major challenge in the development of hypersonic systems. Developed by Northwestern Polytechnical University (NPU) with support from the Shaanxi Province Aerospace and Astronautics Propulsion Research Institute, Feitian 2 builds on the earlier Feitian 1, which flew in July 2022. The latest flight marks progress in rocket-based combined cycle (RBCC) engine technology and offers valuable data for further research in high-speed propulsion and aerodynamics. The key feature of Feitian 2 is its RBCC engine, powered by a mix of kerosene and hydrogen peroxide. Unlike conventional hypersonic vehicles that use cryogenic fuels like liquid oxygen, Feitian 2 uses atmospheric oxygen for part of its flight, reducing the need for onboard oxidizers and improving fuel flight successfully showed a smooth switch from ejector mode, where rockets provide thrust at take-off, to ramjet mode, where the engine uses air-breathing propulsion. This transition is considered critical for sustained hypersonic flight. The engine also demonstrated variable-geometry intake capability, allowing it to control airflow in real time for improved performance at different speeds and 2 includes several upgrades over its earlier version. It has larger tail fins and new wings near the rocket head. These additions help improve stability and control at high speeds and altitudes. The test also confirmed that Feitian 2 can fly autonomously. It adjusted its angle of attack during flight based on the mission's needs and the surrounding conditions. This ability is expected to be important for future unmanned hypersonic systems used in both military and scientific 2's use of a kerosene–hydrogen peroxide mix is a shift away from traditional cryogenic fuels. While kerosene has less energy than liquid hydrogen, it is easier to store and handle. This makes the vehicle design simpler and reduces the need for heavy cooling 1 had already shown that kerosene could work in hypersonic engines. Feitian 2 adds hydrogen peroxide as an oxidizer, cutting weight and keeping thrust stable. This fuel approach could influence how future hypersonic vehicles are built and Feitian 2 test flight puts China in a strong position in the international race for hypersonic technology. The vehicle's ability to change propulsion modes mid-flight, along with its autonomous systems and airflow control, is a major technical achievement. These developments could support both defence and civilian uses, including fast transport and rapid-response platforms.
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First Post
02-07-2025
- Science
- First Post
‘Feitian 2': What we know about China's new hypersonic craft and why it matters
China successfully tested its new hypersonic craft 'Feitian 2' at a site in the northwest of the country. Experts have expressed concern at the development and the pace at which Beijing's hypersonic missile programme is evolving. But what do we know about it? read more China has a new hypersonic craft nicknamed the 'Feitian 2'. AP China has a new hypersonic craft. The craft named 'Feitian 2' was successfully tested at a site in northwest China. Experts have expressed concern at the development and the pace at which Beijing's hypersonic missile programme is evolving. But what do we know about the 'Feitian 2'? Why does it matter? Let's take a closer look: What we know The 'Feitian 2' was developed by scientists at the Northwestern Polytechnical University (NPU). It is an experimental, reusable vehicle. The Shaanxi Province Aerospace and Astronautics Propulsion Research Institute also participated in the project. The craft is said to have reached speeds of up to Mach 12 (14,800 kmph). STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The NPU-led team said the development marked the first time real-flight data has been collected for a rocket-based combined cycle (RBCC) engine using a kerosene-hydrogen peroxide propellant. The team said the test flight demonstrated the 'Feitian 2's' capabilities to transition between various flight modes. This included toggling between ejector mode at take off It also demonstrated key capabilities including variable-geometry intake operation, thrust-varying acceleration and autonomous flight with variable angle of attack. The Chinese researchers have claimed that this allows the craft to change its inner structure during the operation as well as autonomously change its trajectory and angle if needed. The 'Feitian 2' was developed by scientists at the Northwestern Polytechnical University (NPU). Image courtesy: X The test comes three years after the 'Feitian 1' had a test flight in July 2022. The 'Feitian 2'has larger tail fins compared to its predecessor. It also has wings near its rocket head. This helps the craft better stabilise and control itself. Why it matters Hypersonic missiles usually use liquid oxygen combined with kerosene or liquid hydrogen as propellants. The 'Feitian 1' showed kerosene can be used as fuel for the propulsion system. Meanwhile, the 'Feitian 2' used a kerosene and hydrogen peroxide propellant. This allows it to get rid of complex cryogenic systems needed. It essentially combines a traditional rocket engine with that of a ramjet – which relies on oxygen. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This may sound simple, but it is in fact a ground-breaking achievement. The 'Feitian 2' does this because its RBCC engine, unlike those of normal hypersonic missiles which used liquid oxygen, is designed to use atmospheric oxygen. It thus massively brings down the weight of the oxidiser – which is needed at high altitudes or in thin atmosphere – used during the flight. This in turn increases the craft's possible payload as well as its fuel efficiency. It also gets rid off the need for a heavy cooling system. Achieving smooth transitions between different flight modes has thus far been a problem for hypersonic missiles and crafts. However, it seems that the NPU-led team has solved this problem, which is a massive scientific achievement. The test also showed that the vehicle was capable of autonomous flight. The researchers say that the successful test flight of the 'Feitian 2' will aid the future development of supersonic crafts and missiles. They say this could result in reusable military drones, hypersonic reconnaissance crafts and even civilian transport ships. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD It also puts China ahead of its competitors including the US and Russia in the field of hypersonic missile tech. Beijing already has a number of hypersonic missiles including the DF-100, Starry Sky-2, YJ-21 and Lingyun-1. China also has developed a number of hypersonic glide vehicles including the DF-ZF, which is paired with the DF-17 ballistic missile. This achievement comes even as the NPU remains under US sanctions. Undergraduate students from NPU also have a tough time obtaining US visas. US experts have expressed concern at the development, saying that China has basically used research done in the US as a springboard to leap ahead. With inputs from agencies
Time of India
01-07-2025
- Science
- Time of India
China tests Feitian 2 hypersonic missile powered by kerosene and air-breathing tech that could reshape the future of missiles
In a key advancement for hypersonic technology , China has completed a successful test flight of its Feitian 2 hypersonic vehicle in northwestern China. The test demonstrated the vehicle's ability to switch between different propulsion modes during flight, a major challenge in the development of hypersonic systems. Developed by Northwestern Polytechnical University ( NPU ) with support from the Shaanxi Province Aerospace and Astronautics Propulsion Research Institute, Feitian 2 builds on the earlier Feitian 1, which flew in July 2022. The latest flight marks progress in rocket-based combined cycle (RBCC) engine technology and offers valuable data for further research in high-speed propulsion and aerodynamics. Feitian 2's multi-mode propulsion capability The key feature of Feitian 2 is its RBCC engine, powered by a mix of kerosene and hydrogen peroxide. Unlike conventional hypersonic vehicles that use cryogenic fuels like liquid oxygen, Feitian 2 uses atmospheric oxygen for part of its flight, reducing the need for onboard oxidizers and improving fuel efficiency. The flight successfully showed a smooth switch from ejector mode, where rockets provide thrust at take-off, to ramjet mode, where the engine uses air-breathing propulsion. This transition is considered critical for sustained hypersonic flight. The engine also demonstrated variable-geometry intake capability, allowing it to control airflow in real time for improved performance at different speeds and altitudes. Design improvements and flight autonomy Feitian 2 includes several upgrades over its earlier version. It has larger tail fins and new wings near the rocket head. These additions help improve stability and control at high speeds and altitudes. Live Events The test also confirmed that Feitian 2 can fly autonomously. It adjusted its angle of attack during flight based on the mission's needs and the surrounding conditions. This ability is expected to be important for future unmanned hypersonic systems used in both military and scientific missions. Alternative propellants and engine design Feitian 2's use of a kerosene–hydrogen peroxide mix is a shift away from traditional cryogenic fuels. While kerosene has less energy than liquid hydrogen, it is easier to store and handle. This makes the vehicle design simpler and reduces the need for heavy cooling systems. Feitian 1 had already shown that kerosene could work in hypersonic engines. Feitian 2 adds hydrogen peroxide as an oxidizer, cutting weight and keeping thrust stable. This fuel approach could influence how future hypersonic vehicles are built and operated. Strategic and global implications The Feitian 2 test flight puts China in a strong position in the international race for hypersonic technology. The vehicle's ability to change propulsion modes mid-flight, along with its autonomous systems and airflow control, is a major technical achievement. These developments could support both defence and civilian uses, including fast transport and rapid-response platforms.
