ØXingkong-2, the flight
vehicle reportedly fly independently and break past conventional anti-missile
systems in place around the world.

About
news:

ØChina has successfully tested its waverider
hypersonic aircraft which is capable of flying independently and of carrying
nuclear warheads.

ØTheXingkong-2 - also called Starry Sky-2 - was fired at a target range in
north-west China and tested for 10 minutes.

ØDuring
its independent flight, Xingkong-2 - designed by China Academy of Aerospace
Aerodynamics reached an altitude of 30 kilometres at Mach 5.5.

ØIt is reported that Xingkong-2 is a flight
vehicle which flies in the atmosphere and glides at high speeds using
shockwaves generated by its own hypersonic flight with the air.

ØIt can reportedly carry nuclear warheads and
break past anti-missile defence systems currently in use the world over.

ØThis is primarily because Xingkong-2 has an
unpredictable trajectory and has a superior in-flight speed to cruise and
ballistic missiles

ØWhile there is no word on when it would be
officially handed over to the country's military, there are more tests expected
in coming months. Those in the know say that Xingkong-2 can eventually be used
for both tactical and strategic operations.

ØChina has been modernising its military and
aims to become a major manufacturer of weapons systems in the times to come.

ØNumerous reports in the Chinese media have
said that Beijing desires to be at par with the United States and Russia when
it comes to military might and prowess.

Expected prelims
question:

Recently Xingkong-2
aircraft was launched by

a)Japan

b)North Korea

c)South Korea

d)China

Ans – d

Expected mains
question:

Xingkong-2 was recently launched by
China. Discuss the advantages of hypersonic aircraft in china’s Defense system.