VISR | Technology | Hypersonix Launch Systems

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Technology

VISR

Key features

Meet VISR

VISR is a 6-metre reusable multi-mission hypersonic flyer specifically for defence applications. VISR can accelerate from Mach 5 to Mach 10 and return to land on a conventional runway. Targeted for first flight in 2026, VISR will provide the warfighter with rapidly deployable ISR, test bed and other affordable hypersonic capabilities in a reusable platform.

Acceleration capability

VISR has the ability to accelerate from Mach 5 to Mach 10, powered by four of Hypersonix's fifth generation SPARTAN scramjet engines.

Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMC)

VISR is made from high temperature CMCs as they are lightweight, with a high strength-to-weight ratio (even at high temperatures), high thermal shock resistance, and toughness.

Flies like a plane

VISR has wings to turn and fly like a plane. Highly maneuverable under autonomous control, VISR is able to evade enemy air defences and achieve high survivability.

Reusable, reliable and cost-effective

With high reusability, low-cost production methods and the longest flight time of any scramjet powered flyer, VISR is a highly cost-effective payload delivery system.

High cadence

Featuring a rapid turnaround, VISR can be refuelled and ready to fly in a short timeframe.

Scalable system

Scalability allows VISR to deliver various payload configurations for different locations and purposes.

Specifications

Length

Wingspan

2500km

Range

Mach 5–10

Speed

50kg

Payload

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Power source

Powered by SPARTAN

DART is powered by a single SPARTAN, Hypersonix’s fifth generation scramjet engine. The hydrogen-powered SPARTAN is the world’s first entirely 3D-printed airframe, delivering performance, reliability, lead time and cost advantages over more bespoke manufacturing methods.

Why use H2 as fuel?

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.

Get in touch with us

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