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India.com
03-07-2025
- Science
- India.com
Big tension for Trump, Putin as China successfully tests hypersonic missile Feitian-2,' it uses atmospheric oxygen for..., is developed by...
As conflicts continue to erupt around the world, every country boosts its defense readiness for the greater threats that are imminent. Every country is arming itself with modern warfare capabilities and advanced weapons to maintain a military advantage in a world where national security is getting increasingly volatile. In what may be a significant breakthrough for hypersonic technology, China has successfully demonstrated a test flight of its Feitian-2 hypersonic vehicle in northwestern China, where it was able to switch between different propulsion modalities in flight — a significant hurdle in the future development of hypersonic vehicles. Who developed the Feitian-2 hypersonic vehicle? The Feitian-2 hypersonic vehicle was developed as a part of the cooperation between Northwestern Polytechnical University (NPU) and the Shaanxi Province Aerospace and Astronautics Propulsion Research Institute, as reported by the Economic Times. The flight is consistent with the advancements made by Feitian-1 when it successfully flew in July 2022 and demonstrates useful data for many physical understandings rich in applications regarding Rocket-Based Combined Cycle (RBCC) engine technology. The flight offers performance parameters that form a useful physical basis for future engineering research on aerodynamics and high-speed propulsion. Top features of Feitian-2 that make it stand out! How atmospheric oxygen helps Feitian-2 The standout feature of Feitian-2 is its Rocket-Based Combined Cycle (RBCC) engine operating on a kerosene and hydrogen peroxide combination. In contrast to traditional hypersonic vehicles, which are fueled by cryogenic fuels such as liquid oxygen, the Feitian-2 craft incorporates atmospheric oxygen for portions of the flight. The use of atmospheric oxygen reduces onboard oxidizers, enhancing fuel efficiency. Feitian-2 different modes The flight experiment with Feitian-2 successfully showed a seamless switch from the first ejector mode, where rockets provide thrust for take-off, to ramjet mode (air-breathing propulsion). This smooth mode switch will be a significant benchmark for sustained hypersonic flight. The engine also showed its variable-geometry intake capability, demonstrating the ability for flow to be controlled automatically in real time. The control of airflow in real-time means that performance can be improved with speed and altitude. This central dynamic feature makes the engine more reliable and the system more efficient with complex flight profiles. How are Feitian-1 and Feitian-2 different? Feitian-2 has several additions as compared to its predecessor, Feitian-1. It features larger tail fins, and new wings just in front of the rocket's nose, improving the stability and maneuverability during high-speed high-altitude flight. Overall, the upgrades will allow for greater aerodynamic control and flight accuracy in more extreme conditions. This test also verified that Feitian-2 can fly autonomously. It was able to alter its angle of attack during flight based on the needs of the mission and the conditions around it. This ability is going to be very important for future unmanned hypersonic systems for both military and scientific missions. Feitian-2 is powered by a kerosene-hydrogen peroxide mixture instead of the traditional cryogenic fuels. While kerosene has less energy even than liquid hydrogen, it is much simpler to store and handle, which leads to a simpler vehicle layout and overcomes the need for heavy cooling systems. Meanwhile, Feitian-1 had previously demonstrated the use of kerosene in hypersonic engines. Moreover, Feitian-2 uses hydrogen peroxide, which is a liquid oxidizer, improving the overall weight of the vehicle while providing stable thrust. This fuel combination may be a factor in the design and operation of hypersonic vehicles in the future. China's recent advances in hypersonic technology are likely causing the US some concern. Although both America and Russia have been trying to develop combined-cycle engines for years, they have had little success. The Feitian-2 testing shows that China is making significant gains in gathering real, valuable data for hypersonic engine design, and they are showing progress in a difficult area that can bring real challenges. The Feitian-2 test flight has elevated China to a competitive status in the world hypersonic technology race by demonstrating its ability to switch between propulsion modes in flight and with an autonomous control structure while actively managing airflow. These advances may have potential uses besides defense, including fast transportation uses and civilian rapid-response systems.
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.
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.
