The competition for new highly-maneuverable missiles is intensifying, particularly with the recent developments from Dawn Hypersonics, a part of Dawn Aerospace. On November 7, 2023, the company announced it successfully achieved supersonic flight with its prototype Mk-II Aurora craft, which took place off the coast of New Zealand. This achievement was discussed exclusively with Defense One by co-founder and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Stefan Powell, who highlighted the implications for the U.S. missile race.
During the flight test, the Mk-II Aurora ascended to 66,000 feet in just 118.6 seconds, surpassing the previous decades-old record by more than four seconds. Powell stated, “With flight test 57, we retired the final major technical risk; vehicle dynamics through the transonic regime,” a range defined between Mach 0.8 to 1.2. He noted that this milestone positions the Aurora to potentially become the highest and fastest flying aircraft.
The U.S. military is actively pursuing a variety of high-speed, highly maneuverable missiles designed to achieve hypersonic speeds of Mach 5 and above. Powell emphasized that achieving supersonic speeds while maintaining control and maneuverability presents significant challenges. He indicated that once these challenges are overcome, transitioning from supersonic to near hypersonic speeds becomes more manageable, with aspirations to push the Aurora to around Mach 3.5, equating to approximately 2,685 miles per hour.
While Mach 3.5 is still below the hypersonic threshold, the military’s focus remains on developing a missile capable of outmaneuvering the world’s advanced air defense systems. Unlike traditional intercontinental ballistic missiles that follow a simple ballistic trajectory, highly maneuverable missiles travel much closer to Earth at altitudes between 20 to 100 kilometers, making them harder to detect and intercept.
The design of the Mk-II incorporates elements typical of jet aircraft while aiming for reusability, capable of up to two flights daily without requiring a pilot. This allows it to function either as a highly maneuverable missile or as a sophisticated high-altitude surveillance drone, which is more elusive than current aircraft.
Powell explained the engineering philosophy behind the Mk-II, aiming for an engine with rocket-like thrust-to-weight ratios, which is about 20 times better than that of jet engines. This design strategy prioritizes the vehicle’s overall efficiency by maximizing propellant rather than overbuilding around the engine.
Key to the Mk-II’s development was a decision to create a jet that can also serve as a missile, streamlining the process for aircraft certification. Powell pointed out that this approach significantly speeds up testing credentials, as evidenced by their 50+ flight test record, which he credits to shrewd business decisions.
Dawn Aerospace’s operational base in New Zealand allows for extensive testing opportunities, thanks to a favorable regulatory environment. Powell noted the appeal of the region for forward-leaning aerospace companies, citing organizations like Merlin Labs and Wisk Aero. He praised New Zealand’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) for its performance-based regulations that support innovation without prescriptive limitations.
While aimed at military applications, Powell envisions broader potential for hypersonic technology in commercial and public sectors. He likened the current trajectory of hypersonic development to the historical path of jet engines, where initial military applications evolved into diverse commercial uses over decades.
