MDA Conducts Second Hypersonic Test Bed Flight Experiment (HTB-2)

WALLOPS ISLAND, Virginia - Yesterday the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) conducted a flight test of the Hypersonic Test Bed (HTB), a glide vehicle designed to provide a common platform for hypersonic experiments.

During the test, designated HTB-2, a sounding rocket propelled the glide vehicle into hypersonic flight prior to separation.

"HTB-2 demonstrates our ability to affordably replicate hypersonic capabilities to enable testing of future hypersonic defense capabilities," said Lt. Gen. Heath Collins, MDA Director.

MDA teamed with other Department of Defense organizations, industry, and academia to execute HTB-2.

"The data gained from this flight test will enable further pursuit of state-of-the-art hypersonic technologies that can operate reliably in dynamic flight environments...a must-have as we develop hypersonic missile defense capabilities," said Collins.

MDA is working to share data informing the development of enhanced capabilities for a layered hypersonic defense to support warfighter needs and outpace the adversary threat.

Please direct all MDA media related queries to Mark Wright, Director, Public Affairs, at 571-231-8212, or Fred Hair, public affairs officer at 256-450-4919.

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