Invictus Programme Latest News
Recently, the European Space Agency (ESA) and UK-based Frazer-Nash have kicked off the INVICTUS research programme.
About Invictus Programme
- It is a research programme with the goal of developing hypersonic technologies applicable to future reusable vehicles capable of horizontal launch.
- Funding: It is funded through ESA’s General Support Technology Programme (GSTP) and Technology Development Element (TDE)
- It is a fully reusable experimental aerospace vehicle capable of flying at Mach 5 (five times the speed of sound).
- The vehicle will demonstrate key technologies for sustained hypersonic flight in the atmosphere and will be upgradable, allowing for the exchange of materials, software and propulsion systems between flight test campaigns.
- INVICTUS builds on previous technology developments managed by ESA and will offer industry, agencies and academia an opportunity to test future hypersonic technologies in a relevant environment.
- Significance: The INVICTUS programme will prove the suitability of a hydrogen-fuelled precooled air-breathing propulsion system for horizontal take-off and hypersonic flight.
Source: ESA
Invictus Programme FAQs
Q1: What is hypersonic tech?
Ans: Hypersonic weapons travel faster than five times the speed of sound — Mach 5 — covering vast distances in minutes.
Q2: What are the three types of propulsion?
Ans: There are many types of propulsion systems, each with unique features and uses. These include internal combustion engines, gas turbine engines, electric propulsion systems, and rocket propulsion systems.
