TR Missile & Smart Munition Programs

[Yasar_TR]

Now Tayfun Block 3, however debated it may be, adds a ballistic/hypersonic ASBM layer at the other end of the spectrum. So we have two ends, one crawling under the radar horizon at subsonic speed, the other coming down from above at hypersonic terminal velocity as a ballistic weapon.

No one can question the hypersonic speed with which this missile travels during it‘s midcourse. Infact all of the Tayfun blocks travel at hypersonic speeds during mid course..

For block 3 we haven’t come across anybody calling it a hypersonic weapon. (A hypersonic weapon, as well as travelling at hypersonic speeds, can perform manoeuvres to evade AD systems. It will also hit target at hypersonic velocity).

Yet, it is mentioned that in terminal phase it travels at hypersonic speeds. Terminal phase is when missile starts its downward dive to earth. And it could be up to 60 to 90 km.
Until the missile reaches around 20 to 15km altitude, it can reach hypersonic speeds due to rarified air and low drag. This is valid for most ballistic missiles of this type. But after 20km altitude it would start losing speed due to higher drag and as governed by the terminal velocity formula.
Biggest parameter that affects higher speed is missile mass. Normally 65% to 70% of the missile’s mass is fuel. Since before terminal phase it would have depleted all this fuel, it‘s mass will not play as much a decisive factor on speed as expected.
The only way to achieve hypersonic or close to hypersonic impact is to fire up the rocket engine again just before the 20km altitude for around 9 seconds.
Block 4 is supposed to impact target at hypersonic speeds, as clearly mentioned by Mr İkinci. It is also mentioned as a hypersonic weapon.
Block 3 details have not been revealed yet. So it is too early to speculate on it’s technical specifications.