HYPERSONIX LAUNCH Systems and Kratos Defense and Security Solutions have signed an agreement to launch the Dart AE, a "multi-mission hypersonic drone technology demonstrator" built using additive engineering.An initial launch and demonstration flight is planned for 2023. A fully 3D-printed platform, the Dart AE will be powered by a single, fifth-generation zero emission, clean hydrogen scramjet engine called Spartan. The Dart AE's "publicly disclosable range" will be 500km, a Hypersonix statement said.The company explained: "The Kratos booster system will accelerate the Dart AE drone to a speed greater than Mach 5 and release the vehicle. Ignition of the drone scramjet engine will occur, and autonomous flight of Dart AE will proceed along a programmed flight path to a predetermined landing location."Hypersonix Launch Systems is an Australian aerospace engineering company specialising in design/build of scramjet engines and hypersonic vehicles. Its Spartan engine is designed to operate between Mach 5 and Mach 12 in support of multiple missions.
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