Boosting hypersonic research capabilities took center stage as the U.S. Naval Surface Warfare Center, Port Hueneme Division (NSWC PHD) detachment, based in White Sands, New Mexico, successfully launched a new three-stage rocket configuration during a joint mission with the French military in Biscarrosse, France.
The Jun. 26 mission, known as FS-1, marked a significant achievement for both countries, particularly after the challenges faced during the previous mission (FS-0) where a power system failure impacted the rocket’s performance. The success of FS-1 validated the viability of the Terrier-Oriole-Oriole motor configuration and a separating shroud nose cone.
The rocket carried a French payload into hypersonic velocity for testing, demonstrating the detachment’s commitment to advancing hypersonic capabilities in collaboration with international partners.
Aaron Cowman, White Sands Detachment’s branch manager for applied environments, integration, and testing, emphasized the importance of this mission, stating, “After FS-0, we needed a home run, and this was it.”
The mission was a joint effort involving the NSWC PHD detachment and its contractors, including Corvid Technologies LLC, Kratos Defense and Rocket Support Services Inc., and Peraton Inc. The team provided comprehensive support, from design to execution, ensuring the success of the complex sounding rocket.
The hypersonic glider, known as VMaX (experimental maneuvering vehicle), developed by French aerospace company ArianeGroup for the Ministry of Armed Forces’ General Directorate of Armaments, was securely enclosed in a new nose cone provided by defense contractor Peraton.
The FS-1 mission built upon the lessons learned from FS-0, incorporating corrections and updates into the rocket’s design. The success of the mission showcased the Detachment’s expertise in hypersonic testing and its ability to adapt and overcome challenges.
The French Ministry of Armed Forces hailed the successful launch of the VMaX hypersonic glider as a milestone in France’s mastery of hypervelocity. Sébastien Lecornu, Armed Forces Minister, called it “a new milestone on the road to France’s mastery of hypervelocity.”
The ongoing collaboration between the NSWC PHD detachment and the French Ministry of Armed Forces began in early 2020 when the White Sands team assisted in establishing a state-of-the-art launch complex in Biscarrosse.
With three launches completed, the partnership will shift its focus to the educational phase, including sounding rocket classes and hands-on training for both French and American personnel. This phase aims to enhance the training programs for both parties and foster a mutually beneficial relationship in advancing hypersonic research.
The success of the FS-1 mission not only marks a significant step in hypersonic research but also strengthens the trans-Atlantic partnership between the U.S. Naval Detachment and the French Ministry of Armed Forces. The collaboration demonstrates the Detachment’s commitment to advancing global research capabilities and fostering international cooperation in the field of aerospace technology.
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