Hypersonic defense

Air defence in transition

For over 20 years, Fraunhofer EMI has been researching how interceptor missiles can neutralize ballistic missiles with direct hits. In the face of new threats from hypersonic weapons, however, it is becoming clear that air defense needs additional defense mechanisms. The Institute uses unique special laboratories with light-gas guns to research hypersonic weapons. 

Established missile defense relies on the kinetic energy released by an interceptor missile in a direct hit to destroy warheads and warfare agents. Fraunhofer EMI has been investigating such interactions for years in scaled laboratory tests. This knowledge forms the basis for further developing air defense technologies, evaluating their effectiveness and validating simulation models. New types of hypersonic weapons are forcing us to rethink and adapt the defense mechanisms of air defense.

Light-gas guns for new types of experiments

We must also adapt the scientific research instruments accordingly.
 

On the one hand, it must be possible to examine new types of interceptor missile models in laboratory tests. 
Fragmentation effects are also gaining in importance if a direct hit cannot be guaranteed with hypersonic glide vehicles due to their unpredictable trajectory. Shrapnel must be so effective that they completely neutralize warheads even with just a few hits. 
 

Research is therefore being carried out on how the effectiveness of splitters can be increased. Novel material compositions in combination with modified geometric designs are being considered for this purpose. Their behavior on impact with typical missile structures and warhead models is particularly relevant. Fraunhofer EMI’s light-gas guns are the central tool for these experiments. These systems are unique in Germany, and only a few defense technology institutes in the world have such test facilities. They form an essential basis for research in air defense.