Polaris Develops Hypersonic Aircraft for German Military

Polaris, a Bremen-based aerospace company, has been chosen to develop an unmanned hypersonic aircraft for the German armed forces. The project, commissioned by the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw), aims to deliver a reusable hypersonic platform for advanced research and testing purposes.

The new aircraft, named Hytev (Hypersonic Test and Experimentation Vehicle), is being designed as a two-stage vehicle capable of taking off and landing similarly to conventional aircraft. Its primary function will be to serve as a test platform for hypersonic flight research, although it is also envisioned to potentially transport satellites to orbit using its upper stage.

Hytev is expected to be comparable in size to a modern fighter jet. The propulsion system will combine two turbofan engines with a linear aerospike rocket engine, the latter developed in-house by Polaris. The upper stage will rely exclusively on rocket propulsion, enabling the vehicle to reach the extreme speeds and altitudes required for hypersonic research.

Polaris has a history of developing hypersonic technology, having previously produced and tested several prototypes. The initial prototype, Stella, measured 2.5 meters and first flew in 2020. Subsequent models, Aelda and Athena, completed their flight tests in autumn 2022. The latest demonstrator, Nova, spans 8.5 meters and is engineered to achieve double the speed of sound--approximately 2,500 km/h--and reach altitudes up to 20 kilometers. The maiden flight of Nova is scheduled for this year, marking the final demonstration phase before the transition to operational aircraft production.

Following Nova's successful demonstration, Polaris will move into manufacturing vehicles designed for routine use. The Hytev project commissioned by the Bundeswehr is set for delivery in the coming year, marking a significant milestone in European hypersonic aviation development. The company states that, to its knowledge, no similar contract for a reusable hypersonic aircraft has previously been awarded to any European or global firm.

While Hytev's immediate role will center on research and experimental applications, Polaris envisions broader possibilities for its technology in the future. The long-term objective is to develop hypersonic vehicles capable of transporting people into space, with this goal potentially achievable within the next decade.

The partnership between Polaris and the Bundeswehr highlights Germany's commitment to advancing next-generation aerospace capabilities. As global interest in hypersonic technology intensifies, projects like Hytev are expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of both military and civilian aerospace applications.