The Future of Hypersonics

X-60A is a small high-speed flight testbed for conducting research and development of future hypersonic systems. Hypersonics is the next great frontier of atmospheric flight, and GenOrbit’s experienced team of engineers and developers is helping the U.S. close the technology gap in this critical flight regime. One of the most challenging technical problems in the aerospace industry remains the development of vehicles capable of sustained hypersonic flight above Mach 5. While advances in computational fluid dynamics methods and ground test facilities have helped to advance technologies like scramjet engines, precision sensors, lightweight high temperature composite structures, and autonomous flight controls; flight research and testing programs such X-15, X-43, and X-51 are still the nation’s key tools for transitioning these technologies to operational systems.

Formerly known as the GOLauncher 1, the X-60A is an affordable air-dropped single-stage rocket powered test platform. The X-60A’s LOX/kerosene liquid propulsion system maximizes performance and mission flexibility compared to traditional solid booster solutions. A small delta wing increases the overall maneuverability of the platform. The X-60A is an expendable research platform with an onboard flight telemetry system for research data capture. The X-60A vehicle will be capable of flying several flight profiles of interest to the high-speed flight test community. In dash mode, the X-60A will be capable of reaching speeds up to Mach 5 – 8 with a test payload attached. The vehicle will also be capable of flying alternate test profiles depending on research requirements. The program’s goal is to develop and operate a low-cost platform that provides regular access to hypersonic flight conditions. The X-60A is not a space launch platform and cannot deliver payloads to orbit.