Hypersonic Technology Vehicle 2

[1][2][3][4] It is a test bed for technologies to provide the United States with the capability to reach any target in the world within one hour (Conventional Prompt Strike) using an unmanned hypersonic bomber aircraft.

[5] Both these missions are funded by the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to help develop hypersonic technologies and to demonstrate its effectiveness.

[9] Development of protection structures that are tough and lightweight; an aerodynamic shape that has a high lift to drag ratio; automatic navigation control systems were among the initial technical challenges facing the designers.

[6] The various departments involved in designing the vehicle included aerothermodynamics, materials science, hypersonic navigation, guidance and control systems, endo- and exo-atmospheric flight dynamics, telemetry and range safety analysis.

Initial reports indicated it purposely impacted the Pacific Ocean along its planned flight path as a safety precaution.

[17][18][19] The glider's surface reached 1,930 °C (3,500 °F) (the speed and heat caused part of the skin to peel away from the aerostructure[10]) and controlled itself for 3 minutes before crashing.