Saab Reveals Mach 5.5 Missile

Saab Bofors Dynamics has announced three successful tests of an experimental guided missile capable of Mach 5.5 speeds - that's 4200 mph at sea level, for a ground-launched missile, or more than a mile per second.

The hypervelocity missile (HVM) project has been mentioned very little in the past - Sweden's defense establishment is often very successfully secretive, not talking about technology until it has been demonstrated.

In this case, the key breakthrough is the ability to control and steer the missile at high speeds. The challenge is the enormous dynamic pressure, the result of high speeds and low altitude.

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