How Do Hypersonic Missiles Differ Technically from Traditional Ballistic Missiles?

 

Hypersonic missiles are a class of missiles capable of reaching speeds of Mach 5 or higher, exceeding 6,000 km/h. Their distinguishing feature is their ability to achieve these speeds without being solely reliant on gravity. This sets them apart from ballistic missiles, which also reach hypersonic speeds but do so under the influence of gravitational forces.

Key Differences Between Ballistic and Hypersonic Missiles

Ballistic missiles achieve hypersonic speeds by launching into high altitudes, often reaching space, before descending to Earth under gravity. Their speed results from the immense power of their launch rockets rather than sustained propulsion.

On the other hand, the hypersonic missiles discussed in contemporary conflicts, such as the Ukrainian War, are cruise missiles. These are powered by engines that maintain their velocity and trajectory at lower altitudes (typically around 30–50 meters above the ground). Unlike ballistic missiles, they rely on advanced propulsion systems like Ramjet and Scramjet engines, which generate the thrust needed to sustain hypersonic speeds.

Achieving hypersonic speed is not the most difficult aspect of these weapons. The real technological challenge lies in maintaining stability and enabling precise maneuvering at such extreme velocities. This is where Hypersonic Glide and Torque Equilibrium Control (HGTEC) technology comes into play.

HGTEC ensures that the missile remains intact while changing its trajectory mid-flight. Without this control system, the immense forces generated during course adjustments could cause the missile to disintegrate. For perspective, imagine driving a car at 240 km/h and sharply turning the steering wheel by just 15 degrees. The resulting torque could send the car spinning uncontrollably, causing a catastrophic crash. Similarly, hypersonic missiles require exceptionally rigid and precise control systems to handle the immense stresses of rapid adjustments.

Developing hypersonic missiles requires mastery of five critical areas:

1. Fuels – Specialized propellants to sustain extreme speeds.
2. Rockets – Powerful enough to launch the missile.
3. Scramjet Engines – Operate efficiently at hypersonic speeds.
4. Ramjet Engines – Propel the missile at lower altitudes.
5. HGTEC Technology – Prevents structural failure during maneuvers.

Currently, only three nations have fully Indigenous capabilities in all five areas:

• Russia
• USA
• China

North Korea and Iran have access to these technologies but rely on Russian expertise for HGTEC. India, meanwhile, has indigenous capabilities in two areas and partial access to Russian-developed Ramjet, Scramjet, and HGTEC technologies.

Hypersonic missiles represent a cutting-edge advancement in modern warfare, combining extreme speed, precision, and maneuverability. While ballistic missiles also achieve hypersonic speeds, they lack the sustained propulsion and agility of true hypersonic weapons. Nations pursuing this technology face significant challenges, particularly in mastering HGTEC to ensure stability during high-speed maneuvers. Currently, only a few countries—Russia, the USA, and China—are at the forefront of this sophisticated military technology, underscoring its strategic importance in global defense.