China has made significant strides in hypersonic technology with the successful test of its MD-19 hypersonic drone. This groundbreaking drone boasts exceptional capabilities, including hypersonic speeds and the ability to land like a conventional airplane after decelerating. Designed for flights near the edge of space, close to the Kármán line, the MD-19 represents a significant advancement in aerospace technology.
The MD-19 hypersonic drone’s test was recently shared on the Chinese social media platform Weibo, highlighting China’s ongoing development in hypersonic weapons. The test involved two different launch platforms: the MD-19 was launched from under the fuselage of the larger Tengden TB-001 drone in the first scenario, and from a stratospheric airship in the second test, reported by Bulgarian Military.
While detailed technical data on the MD-19 remains undisclosed, visible features suggest the use of a rocket engine for propulsion, differing from the more common ramjet engines typically found in hypersonic vehicles. The MD-19 is a smaller variant of the larger MD-22 model, which measures approximately 36 feet in length, with a wingspan of about 15 feet and an estimated takeoff weight of 8,800 pounds. The MD-19, by contrast, is estimated to be about 11 feet long, as indicated by footage of its launch under the Tengden TB-001 drone.
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The MD-19’s standout feature is its ability to fly at hypersonic speeds while being capable of decelerating for a controlled landing, much like a regular airplane. This allows the drone to be reused multiple times, significantly reducing operational costs. Furthermore, the MD-19 does not require extensive infrastructure for takeoff, as it can be launched mid-air by other drones, enhancing its operational flexibility.
The primary intended use of the MD-19 is for flights near the edge of space, close to the Kármán line. Although it is not designed as a space object, its capabilities allow it to operate at the boundary of the atmosphere. This aligns with China’s trend of developing advanced aerospace technology, as seen in their concept for a sixth-generation multi-role aircraft, known as White Emperor, which is expected to operate both within Earth’s atmosphere and in space.
A video shared on social media platforms like X shows the MD-19 being carried and launched by the Tengden TB-001 drone. The TB-001, a medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) drone, serves as both a strike and reconnaissance unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and the launch platform for the MD-19. The video demonstrates the MD-19’s flight and safe landing on a runway, showcasing its unique capability to decelerate from hypersonic to subsonic speeds for landing.
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The successful horizontal landing of the MD-19 after flying at hypersonic speeds marks a significant achievement in drone technology. This breakthrough, resulting from several years of research, opens new possibilities in the field of aerospace. Unlike most military-use hypersonic vessels, the MD-19 can be safely recovered and reused, offering substantial cost savings in building and operating such advanced platforms.
China’s advancements in hypersonic technology are not limited to the MD-19. Recent reports indicate that Chinese scientists have tested a hypersonic jumbo jet-shaped prototype capable of flying at Mach 6.5. This prototype deviates from the conventional slim designs of hypersonic vehicles, showcasing China’s innovative approach to aerospace engineering.
Additionally, researchers at Tsinghua University in Beijing have developed a new hypersonic engine concept, the Ram-Rotor Detonation Engine (RRDE), which combines a detonation engine with a rotor compressor based on ramjets. This innovative engine design draws inspiration from rotary engines and represents another significant leap in hypersonic propulsion technology.
