HEXAFLY - High-Speed Experimental Fly Vehicles
Overview
Objectives:
The HEXAFLY project aims to mature an experimental high-speed self-propelled vehicle in combination with several multi-disciplinary technologies. By this approach, the grounds for a future flight test will be prepared and potential technological risks identified in time. This potential will increase drastically the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of developments realized in previous high-speed aeronautical projects on national and European level such as ATLLAS I & II and LAPCAT I & II.
The different technologies and methodologies which need experimental flight testing at high speed are grouped around the six major axes of HEXAFLY:
- High-Speed Vehicle Concepts
- High-Speed Aerodynamics
- High-Speed Propulsion
- High-Temperature Materials and Structures
- High-Speed Flight Control
- High-Speed Environmental Impact
Methodology:
To mature this experimental flight testing, a scientific mission profile will be defined followed by a proof-of-concept based upon:
- A preliminary design of a high-speed experimental flight vehicle covering the six major axes
- Selection and integration of available ground-tested technologies
- Identification of the most promising flight platform(s)
This allows to address the following items for a follow-up project:
- Identification of potential technological barriers
- Assessment of the overall ROM-costs
- The progress and potential of technology development at a higher TRL
The design of the experimental high-speed cruise vehicle design will be the main driver and challenge in this project with following scientific objectives:
- A positive aero-propulsive balance at a cruise Mach number of 8
- An integrated conceptual design demonstrating a combined propulsive and aerodynamic efficiency
- Making maximum use of earlier developed advanced high-temperature materials and/or structures
- An evaluation of the sonic boom impact by deploying dedicated ground measurement equipments
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