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Chinese aerospace researchers have announced a new development in hypersonic flight: a prototype vehicle able to alter its aerodynamic shape while travelling at speeds exceeding Mach 5. The system, described as a “morphing” hypersonic platform, features retractable wings that can fold in or extend depending on flight conditions.
The design aims to solve a long-standing challenge in hypersonic engineering—the trade-off between speed and manoeuvrability. Traditional hypersonic craft are built with a fixed shape optimized for either minimal drag or higher lift, but not both. The new model reportedly adjusts its geometry in real time, folding its wings to reduce drag during high-speed cruise and extending them to improve control and lift when needed.
The research, led by China’s National University of Defence Technology, was published in Acta Aeronautica et Astronautica Sinica, the country’s leading aerospace journal. The team has conducted hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing, meaning that the control systems have been connected to real sensors and actuators in simulated flight conditions—an important step beyond computer modelling.
According to Interesting Engineering, at hypersonic velocities, air friction generates temperatures exceeding 2,000°C, enough to weaken metals and ionize air around the craft. The addition of moving components introduces further complexity, as each shift in shape alters aerodynamic forces and stability. The onboard control system must therefore process these changes instantly to maintain flight integrity.
To achieve this, the researchers developed a new control algorithm that integrates three core elements: precise system modelling, preset performance parameters, and an adaptive control method known as “super-twisting sliding-mode control”. This approach reportedly allows the wings to move smoothly and responsively, without vibration or delay, even under extreme conditions.
While the immediate applications appear to be military—potentially for long-range, high-speed strike systems—the technology could eventually influence civilian sectors. If adapted successfully, morphing-wing designs might shorten intercontinental travel times or enable rapid global cargo delivery.
If confirmed through further testing, this innovation could mark a significant step forward in hypersonic vehicle design, offering unprecedented flexibility and control at extreme speeds.
The press release can be found here.
