Fraunhofer Segment for Defense and Security VVS
Fraunhofer Segment for Defense and Security VVS

Countering the hypersonic threat

Research & Development at Fraunhofer Segment for Defense & Security

Hypersonic threats are becoming game changers in the field of advanced air defense due to their extreme speed and maneuverability. Their defense has a direct impact on the survivability of critical infrastructures, and thus on strategic deterrence. Fraunhofer VVS offers research and technology in the field of detecting and defending against hypersonic threats.

OBSERVE

  • Space-based early warning (infrared, radar)
  • Airborne surveillance and tracking (infrared, radar)
  • Ground-based surveillance and tracking (radar)
  • Space situational awareness SSA
  • Atmospheric effects on detection range
  • Effects of plasma

ORIENT

  • Sensor data and information fusion (e.g. AI based)
  • Algorithms and assessment for detection and tracking
  • Communication systems
  • Encrypted European global navigation system Galileo PRS
  • Low-signature rocket propellants
  • Signatures (radar, infrared)
  • Sensor handover and queuing    

DECIDE

  • Information technology for command and control (C2)
  • Human Systems Engineering
  • Coalition Shared Data concepts for Joint ISR
  • Cyber security and defense
  • Classification discrimination and identification (CDI)

ACT

  • Disruption of maneuvering behavior via HPEM
  • Jamming of PNT, communications, and further on-board sensors    
  • Development and analyses of kill mechanisms
  • Hypervelocity impact experiments on direct-hit concepts and fragment effectiveness
  • Hydrocode simulation of threat-interceptor interaction in full-scale
  • Experimental and numerical analysis of laser-based countermeasures
  • High-energy laser weapons
  • Interceptors

Institutes involved:
Fraunhofer EMI,
Fraunhofer FHR,
Fraunhofer FKIE,
Fraunhofer IIS,
Fraunhofer INT,
Fraunhofer IOF,
Fraunhofer IOSB,
Fraunhofer ICT.