This chapter is a compact primer on what the term hypersonic does and does not mean. A reading from Norman Friedman's discussion of Russian, Chinese, and U.S. missile claims explains why speed alone does not make a new magic weapon. Maneuverability, atmospheric flight, boost methods, heating, and structural distortion all matter to the engineering and air-defense questions navies face.
Chapter · 2:11:18-2:16:22
Hypersonic missiles without the hype
A World Naval Review reading defines hypersonic missiles, compares them with re-entry vehicles, and stresses speed, maneuverability, heat, and interception problems.