How hypersonic weapons survive heating at five times the speed of sound

Hypersonic missiles face surface temperatures that destroy conventional aircraft materials. Protection relies on carbon-carbon composites, ceramic matrix materials, ablative coatings and active cooling with fuel, plus vehicle shape and flight profile.

• Carbon-carbon composites withstand heat but need coatings to resist oxidation
• Ablative protection sacrifices the outer layer to carry heat away
• Active cooling with kerosene through channels boosts thermal protection
• Sharp leading edges improve aerodynamics but concentrate heat loads