DART
Mission-proven and designed for low-cost, high cadence hypersonic flight. The revolutionary DART AE is an autonomous, 3D-printed, hydrogen-fuelled aircraft that delivers a globally-leading, affordable and reliable hypersonic test bed capability.
Autonomous, scramjet-powered hypersonic testing capability
Entirely 3D printed airframe
DART is the worlds first entirely 3D printed airframe of a hypersonic launch vehicle. Its additive engineering production aligns with Government and Industry objectives.
Future-focused strategy
By designing and manufacturing in Australia, Hypersonix is contributing to Australia’s sovereign capabilities. With the ability to scale globally, DART is fit for national security, Government, and defence programs.
Hydrogen-fuelled propulsion
Our SPARTAN scramjet engine, powered by green hydrogen, provides the necessary thrust to propel DART at hypersonic speeds. This air-breathing engine emits zero CO2 during flight.
Low cost hypersonic tests
DART is designed to be a flight demonstrator vehicle. With rapid and cost-efficient deployment, this aircraft is purpose-built for testing hypersonic capabilities.
Specifications
Reliable, affordable hypersonic testing
As the global demand for hypersonic testing grows - driven by increased program investment, emerging commercial applications, and geopolitical competitiveness – opportunities to test are severely limited by the lack of available, affordable, and sufficient infrastructure.
This led to the development of the DART AE – a cost-effective, scalable hypersonic testing system. Now flight-proven and ready to deliver within 2 months, this flight platform provides reliable hypersonic test bed delivery.
Globally deployable hypersonic testing
DART AE addresses a critical global shortage in hypersonic testing infrastructure by providing a readily deployable, high-performance flight platform. Backed by an experienced team and designed for rapid, flexible deployment, DART AE supports a wide range of applications from flight system validation to counter-hypersonic targets.
The DART AE's adaptability and mission versatility, combined with the ability to be launched worldwide, positions it as a leader in accessing and operating within the hypersonic flight environment. This especially supports defence and aerospace where reliability, scalability, and cost-efficiency are essential.
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Delivering sustained mach 5+ flight
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Powered by SPARTAN
DART is powered by a single SPARTAN scramjet engine – Hypersonix’s fifth-generation propulsion system. The flight-proven, hydrogen-powered SPARTAN delivers enhanced mission reliability, designed for high-cadence flight.
Hydrogen is fuel for a low carbon future
Hydrogen can be produced from just water, using renewable energy. Burning it in an engine produces only water vapour. There is a global movement towards low-carbon fuels and Australia is set to become a key player in the hydrogen industry, with government and private investment into local green hydrogen production facilities.
Hypersonix has partnered with BOC Australia, who has announced its intention to build a green hydrogen production facility using seawater as the main ingredient, in Queensland.
The clean hydrogen industry is growing quickly Australia-wide, with over $1.6 billion invested in the private sector and $1.27 billion in the public sector. The price of clean hydrogen is projected to decrease to between $2 and $4 per kilogram by 2030.
Hydrogen is an excellent aerospace fuel
The space industry has historically utilised hydrogen as rocket fuel, including in the space shuttle program.
Hydrogen is non-toxic and its low density means any leaks and fires are directed upwards — unlike hydrocarbon fuels, which could pool under the aircraft. Hypersonix’s vehicles are also unmanned, reducing the risks to humans. Hydrogen has approximately 2.5 times the energy density of hydrocarbon fuels, such as kerosene, making it the perfect fuel in an industry where every gram counts.
Secure your hypersonic test flight
Access a proven hypersonic flight capability to validate payloads, materials, and systems at Mach 5+. Connect with our team to explore flight opportunities for your next test program.
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