China has created a hypersonic missile that can change shape at a speed of Mach 5. This “morphing” missile can adjust its wings during flight, increasing its speed and controllability. Many countries including America are keeping an eye on this.
New Delhi. China has claimed to have developed a missile that can change its shape while flying at a speed of Mach 5 (i.e. five times faster than the speed of sound). It sounds like a science-fiction movie, but Beijing has brought it closer to reality. According to the report, Professor Wang Peng of National University of Defense Technology (NUDT) and his team have prepared this prototype. This “morphing hypersonic missile” can adjust its wings during flight, greatly improving its speed, lift and ability to change direction.
How does this ‘shape-shifting’ missile work?
This missile has retractable wings, which go inside the fuselage when needed. Due to this the air pressure decreases and the speed increases. When lift or turn is needed, these wings come out again.
The most important thing is that this process is completely done through real time control system, that is, the missile can adjust itself while in the air. The algorithm used in it is based on “super-twisting sliding mode control”, which provides smooth movement without jerking the missile, the report said. According to scientists, this is the “Holy Grail” of hypersonic flight.
Is this technology really reliable?
- Although this achievement is very exciting, it faces many challenges.
- At Mach 5 the temperature exceeds 2,000°C.
- In this much heat the metal of the missile may melt or the control system may fail.
- Problems such as “control chattering” (rapid vibrations) can make the missile unstable.
Chinese scientists believe that these obstacles remain to be overcome. However, he says that in future the same technology can also be used for civil hypersonic travel.
Why are America and western countries worried?
Over the past few years, China has several times claimed that its hypersonic missiles can hit moving targets — be they stealth fighter jets or aircraft carriers. Earlier Western analysts considered it to be propaganda, but now the news of China’s CJ-1000 hypersonic cruise missile and this new “shape-shifting” missile has made them cautious.
Will this prove to be a ‘game changer’?
If China successfully implements this technology, it can bring it one step ahead of America and Russia in the hypersonic race. Scientists say morphing hypersonic systems could revolutionize both future warfare and space exploration.
Mystery and suspense remain intact
The missile has not been shown openly yet. Beijing displayed it in sealed canisters in its military parades. Experts say that this research tells the world that China has come very close to the era of “transforming missiles”.