"The HEXAFLY project aims to mature an experimental high-speed self-propelled vehicle in combination with several multi-disciplinary technologies. By this approach, the grounds for a future flight test will be prepared and potential technological risks identified in time. This potential will increase drastically the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of developments realized in previous high-speed aeronautical projects on national and European level such as ATLLAS I & II and LAPCAT I & II.
The different technologies and methodologies which need experimental flight testing at high speed are grouped around the 6 major axes of HEXAFLY:
1. High-Speed Vehicle Concepts
2. High-Speed Aerodynamics
3. High-Speed Propulsion
4. High-Temperature Materials and Structures
5. High-Speed Flight Control
6. High-Speed Environmental Impact
To mature this experimental flight testing, a scientific mission profile will be defined followed by a proof-of-concept based upon:
– a preliminary design of a high-speed experimental flight vehicle covering the 6 major axes
– selection and integration of available ground-tested technologies
– identification of the most promising flight platform(s)
allowing to address following items for a follow-up project:
– identification of potential technological barriers
– assessment of the overall ROM-costs
– the progress and potential of technology development at a higher TRL
The design of the experimental high-speed cruise vehicle design will be the main driver and challenge in this project with following scientific objectives:
- a positive aero-propulsive balance at a cruise Mach number of 8
- an integrated conceptual design demonstrating a combined propulsive and aerodynamic efficiency
- making maximum use of earlier developed advanced high-temperature materials and/or structures
- an evaluation of the sonic boom impact by deploying dedicated ground measurement equipments"