China tests new hypersonic weapon that has 10 times the speed of sound

China has tested a hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV) that can fly lower than the ballistic missile radar with 10 times the speed of sound and can strike any target around the globe within an hour. This could be the first modern operational hypersonic weapon system.

The diplomat magazine reported that China has conducted two test of hypersonic glide vehicles. These vehicles were fully equipped with missiles. This can mark in between the range of 1800 km and 2500km.

The People’s Liberation Army Rocket Force (PLARF) carried out both of the tests. The First test was taken on 1st November and the 2nd test took place on 15th November.

This HGV warhead is a new type of weapon which currently is being underprocessed in Russia and USA. These DF-17 could be operational by 2020 as US intelligence sources quoted.

The HGV is one of the most powerful and an advanced technological weapon. The HGV can be used to deliver missiles, including nuclear weapons to distant targets around the world within minutes. It’s capable of achieving speed up to 7680 miles per hour or 10 times the speed of sound.

According to Hong Kong’s Phoenix television, the HGV system could be used with various kind of ballistic missiles including intercontinental ballistic missiles that can mark at least 5500km.

These HGV’s flies under the traditional missile radars. They fly much slower than traditional ballistic missiles when they start to descend. This makes them difficult to scan and defend.

These missiles can be used for wide range of defense and strategic purposes. This is the first time China has shown any test models lined to the project.

Image Source: The National Interest