Episode 5: Hypersonic Technology

In this episode, we set the stage for future episodes on hypersonic missile technology, describing the technical differences between a hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV) and a hypersonic cruise missile, and the reasons that hypersonics are more challenging for missile defense systems. We explore the operational hypersonic weapons currently deployed by Russia and China and discuss the strategic implications that the United States, while it has many hypersonic programs still in development, does not actually have a deployed hypersonic weapon system. We discuss increased Congressional attention on hypersonic programs and the need to grow the industrial base to support hypersonic technology.

Mike Scheimer: Contact
Tim Bergreen: Contact