US Conducts Successful First Hypersonic Test Bed Flight Amid Rising Tensions with China and Russia

 The US Missile Defense Agency (MDA) has achieved a significant milestone in its hypersonic program with the successful completion of the first flight of its Hypersonic Test Bed (HTB). Designed as a unified platform for all hypersonic experiments, the HTB aims to advance the US's hypersonic capabilities.

During the HTB-1 test, the vehicle achieved hypersonic flight, allowing for the collection of valuable data from various internal and external experiments. MDA Director Lt. Gen. Heath Collins described the test as a major success, marking the beginning of a cost-effective platform for conducting hypersonic experiments. "HTB-1 represents a significant step forward in hypersonic testing capability," Collins stated.

The MDA highlighted that the HTB will be crucial in accelerating the development and deployment of hypersonic technologies, enhancing the US's ability to conduct frequent and varied tests. This capability is essential for advancing state-of-the-art technologies that can reliably operate in hypersonic flight conditions, according to Collins.

Collaborating with numerous partners, the MDA aims to use data from these tests to develop advanced capabilities for a comprehensive hypersonic defense system. As the leading agency for hypersonic defense, the MDA is working to outpace the threats posed by the hypersonic advancements of Russia and China.

Both Russia and China have developed multiple hypersonic weapons, placing the US in a position to catch up. The MDA's hypersonic test bed joins a growing array of high-speed flight test devices, providing a versatile platform for various hypersonic experiments. This includes contributions from the Defense Innovation Unit's Hypersonic and High-Cadence Airborne Testing Capabilities program and the Test Resource Management Center's Multi-Service Advanced Capability Hypersonic Test Bed.

While the MDA has not disclosed details about the creators of the HTB, the agency announced that advanced missile tracking satellites captured their first images of the hypersonic flight test. Although the departure time from Wallops Island, Virginia, was not revealed, the agency confirmed that initial reports showed successful data collection from the sensors.

Lt. Gen. Collins mentioned that this first calibration flight is a precursor to another test bed launch later this year. The Hypersonic and Ballistic Tracking Space Sensors (HBTSS) satellites, part of the Space Development Agency's constellation, played a crucial role in tracking the hypersonic flight. These sensors are designed to detect and monitor hypersonic weapons traveling at speeds of Mach 5 or greater.

Currently, there are ten missile-tracking satellites in space, shared between the MDA and the Space Development Agency (SDA). Despite the different development projects for these sensors, the HBTSS medium-field-of-view sensor will be integrated into future SDA spacecraft iterations, enhancing the ability to track dim targets and relay data to interceptors.

Eventually, a constellation of 100 satellites will provide global coverage for advanced missile launches. However, the current limited fleet offers restricted coverage, necessitating careful coordination of satellite monitoring opportunities to ensure they are positioned over test venues and hotspots worldwide.

Russia's A-100 Premier AWACS Completes Successful Test Flights, Gears Up for Serial Production

 

Footage has emerged online showcasing the new Russian long-range radar detection and control aircraft, the A-100 Premier, during its test flights. Reports indicate that the experimental prototype of the A-100 Premier AWACS is nearing the final stages of its testing process.

The prototype is undergoing rigorous full-scale testing for its airborne long-range radar detection system under near-combat conditions. Once these tests are successfully completed, serial production of the aircraft is expected to begin.

The A-100 Premier, equipped with the advanced "Premier" radar system, is based on the upgraded Il-76MD-90A. Developed in 2014 by the Taganrog Aviation Scientific and Technical Complex in collaboration with NGO Vega-M, part of the state corporation Ruselectronica, this aircraft is set to replace the aging A-50 line of AWACS aircraft.

The state-of-the-art A-100 radar system features an active phased array antenna and capabilities in radio-electronic reconnaissance. It includes terminals for secure, stable communication with Russian fighters and anti-aircraft missile systems, vital for target designation across air, ground, and surface targets.

Beyond radar capabilities, the A-100 can receive data from space satellites and control drones, relaying this information to both ground and airborne weapons. It also integrates seamlessly with ground reconnaissance systems like long-range radar, enhancing situational awareness.

Designed as a versatile airborne command center, the A-100 Premier can detect and track up to 350 air, sea, and ground targets simultaneously at distances up to 650 km. It boasts an impressive range of about 5,000 kilometers and can remain airborne for over 10 hours without refueling.

The A-100LL flying laboratory, based on the standard A-50 aircraft, made its first flight in October 2016. By November 2017, the first prototype of the A-100 Premier, developed from the Il-76MD-90A, took to the skies. This prototype's testing was intended to pave the way for mass production, which has been delayed until now, with serial production expected to start in 2024.

In 2020, another A-100 aircraft was reported to be under construction, aiming to join the testing phase. In February 2022, Rostec announced a significant milestone: the first flight of the new A-100 complex equipped with onboard radar technology was successfully conducted.

Looking forward, the introduction of Russia’s latest AWACS A-100 aircraft with the advanced Premier radar system is anticipated by the end of the year, despite the lack of official statements on the matter.

Additionally, in March, Sergey Chemezov, head of Rostec, mentioned plans to modernize and resume production of the A-50U long-range radar detection and control aircraft to meet the current needs of the Russian Armed Forces, alongside the A-100 Premier program.

Estonian Combat Robots in Ukraine Enhanced with Starlink Connectivity

 

Estonian-made THeMIS unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) in Ukraine are now equipped with Starlink satellite connectivity, allowing for remote operation from thousands of kilometers away. This development was announced by Milrem Robotics, the manufacturer of these vehicles, which is based in Estonia and owned by a United Arab Emirates company.

A specially equipped THeMIS vehicle will be showcased at the upcoming Eurosatory 2024 trade show, according to the company’s statement. The THeMIS variant designed for cargo transportation will utilize Starlink, a satellite internet service operated by Elon Musk’s SpaceX. To date, Milrem has supplied more than a dozen THeMIS vehicles to Ukrainian forces.

For the integration of this new feature, Milrem collaborated with Dutch data link firm AEC Skyline. The company emphasized that with satellite connectivity, the THeMIS robotic vehicle can efficiently transmit data, receive commands, and relay critical information in real-time, regardless of its battlefield location.

Starlink's ground terminals, essential for using the satellite system, were first shipped to Kyiv shortly after Russia's invasion in February 2022. By June 2023, there were tens of thousands of these terminals in Ukraine, including 500 provided by the U.S. Department of Defense.

Starlink satellites operate in low-Earth orbit, less than 600 kilometers (370 miles) above Earth, which enhances the performance of the system.

Recently, Russian Telegram channels posted images purportedly showing a damaged, captured THeMIS combat robot. Milrem declined to comment on the images but acknowledged awareness of the situation.

Space Force Plans High-Tech, Multi-Orbit Narrowband SATCOM for Enhanced Resilience

 

This week, the U.S. Space Force revealed its future vision for narrowband satellite communications, potentially involving numerous advanced satellites in multiple orbits.

Current narrowband communication satellites, part of the Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) constellation, provide secure cellular voice and data services to military forces globally. These satellites operate in the narrowband frequency range, which ensures less susceptibility to adverse weather and challenging terrain, enhancing secure communications.

On May 29, the Space Force announced its desire for future narrowband satellites to be more resilient, cost-effective, and quickly deployable. The detailed plans are still under development, with completion expected later this year.

"The U.S. military must maintain its asymmetric advantage in a contested, degraded, and operationally limited space environment," the Space Force stated. "Narrowband SATCOM capabilities are critical for the U.S. military and its allies, and they must evolve to meet expanding needs, leverage emerging technologies, and counter future threats."

The service envisions the new satellites in medium Earth orbit (MEO), situated between 1,200 and 22,000 miles above sea level, compared to the current geostationary orbit at 22,000 miles.

The Space Force currently has four MUOS satellites and one spare, built by Lockheed Martin, each carrying dual payloads for legacy Ultra High Frequency Network and Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) capabilities. To sustain the constellation until 2035, the service plans to launch two additional satellites, with prototypes being developed by Lockheed and Boeing under $66 million contracts due by July 2025. A final selection is expected by FY26, with launches planned for FY31.

The new satellites will bridge to the future narrowband architecture. The Space Force is considering whether current ground terminals can operate with MEO satellites without significant upgrades, seeking feedback from companies on potential modifications and associated technical and schedule risks.

The Space Force's notice also inquires about the role of commercial systems in the future architecture. The service's commercial space strategy, released in April, highlights satellite communications as a prime area for commercial collaboration, aiming to integrate commercial networks into a resilient hybrid architecture.

"The USSF will enhance resilience through integrating proliferated commercial networks into hybrid architectures and offset future investments in government-owned capabilities," the Space Force emphasized.