Design and analysis workflow could enable faster and cheaper US hypersonic tests
Engineering simulation specialist Ansys has teamed with the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) to provide a design and analysis workflow that will validate validating system models of current and next-generation US hypersonic vehicles.
Ansys announced on 22 September that the workflow will verify its software code fidelity by conducting physical high-speed flight tests in UTA's arc jet hypersonic wind tunnel (pictured).
This will ‘fast-track certification of simulation software codes, help decrease hypersonic technology development spending and increase engineering productivity’, Ansys claimed.
More broadly, the collaboration also aims to save hundreds of millions of dollars in spacecraft and missile prototype testing.
The DoD and NASA have prioritised the development of high-speed hypersonic aircraft, spacecraft and missile, but funding prototype flight tests is a lengthy and expensive process costing up to $100 million. There is also a shortage of engineers with hypersonic vehicle design experience.
‘Testing and validating physics-based component models within a wind tunnel that operates at hypersonic speeds and temperatures delivers a major technological advantage for our mutual customers, driving faster development of cost-effective solutions,’ explained Luca Maddalena, professor of aerospace engineering and director of the Aerodynamics Research Center at UTA.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
More from Air Warfare
-
India moves to address fighter jet shortfalls amid rising regional pressures
Delays, dwindling squadrons and global competition spur belated momentum in airpower procurement.
-
Hanwha Aerospace and GA-ASI join forces to co-develop UAVs
The $510 million partnership will see Hanwha invest to co-develop and manufacture the Gray Eagle STOL, with a maiden flight test expected by 2027.
-
Colombia confirms Gripen E/F buy, final negotiations still underway
The country was reportedly “months” away from an official aircraft selection, as of mid-March 2025.
-
Portugal joins Embraer and Brazil on C-390 ISR capabilities study
The ongoing study was first announced by Embraer in late 2024 with the Brazilian Air Force, with this latest addition announced during the LAAD defence and security exhibition.
-
Philippines approved for potential $5.5 billion F-16 aircraft purchase
The potential sale, approved by the US to the Philippines, is for 20 F-16 Block 70/72 jets, days after US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth visited the country.
-
Sweden commits to acquire four C-390 Millennium aircraft
The acquisition of four C-390 aircraft follows the country’s signing of an MoU in 2023 and formal selection in 2024. It will join the existing contract held by the Netherlands and Austria.