Imagine a hypersonic vehicle hurtling through the sky at mind-boggling speeds, leaving a trail of plasma in its wake. This futuristic vision may soon become a reality, thanks to groundbreaking research into using lasers to blast the air in front of hypersonic vehicles.
By creating a laser-induced plasma, scientists aim to drastically reduce the drag experienced by these high-speed vehicles, potentially unlocking unprecedented speeds and enhancing aerodynamic efficiency. This technology could revolutionize the way we travel, both in the military and civilian sectors.
TWZ reports that the concept involves forming a plasma sheath around the vehicle, which significantly lowers viscous skin friction. Focused microwave bursts, coupled with laser plasma, create a low-density “bubble-like” region that reduces drag, allowing for higher speeds and better control.
While there are still technological limitations to overcome, such as precise control over the laser and microwave energies, the potential benefits are substantial. This technology could increase control and performance on high-speed air platforms, including military and civilian aircraft, unmanned systems, and space access vehicles. It also stands to improve cost, risk, performance, and longevity by potentially eliminating moving parts in control effectors.
Compared to other high-speed vehicles like ballistic missiles or cruise missiles, hypersonic vehicles using laser-induced plasma offer unparalleled speed and maneuverability. They can execute abrupt changes in trajectory at speeds greater than five times the speed of sound, making them highly evasive and challenging to intercept.
The implications are far-reaching. For the military, hypersonic vehicles could provide a significant leap in capability, enabling flight speeds that outpace advanced air defense systems. In the civilian sector, this technology could improve the aerodynamic efficiency of supersonic business jets, commercial and military access to space vehicles, and high-speed delivery platforms.
Research in this field is actively ongoing, with significant investments from the Department of Defense and private contractors. Scientists are working to define energetically favorable high-speed conditions and develop and demonstrate laser-microwave systems.
As we look to the future, the development of hypersonic vehicles using laser-induced plasma is set to play a crucial role in advancing our capabilities in the realm of high-speed flight. With continued research and investment, we may soon witness the dawn of a new era in aviation, where the boundaries of speed are pushed to unprecedented limits.
