This module can be taken as a Short Course for Credit or Standalone Short Course.

To undertake this module you must have successfully completed the Guided Weapons - Propulsion, Guided Weapons - Aerodynamics and Guided Weapons Control Theory modules


The aim of this module is to provide a general overview of hypersonic guided weapon systems and technology; introduce students to the theoretical design of hypersonic guided weapon subsystems; demonstrate how these subsystems form the overall weapon system.

At a glance

  • Dates
    • Please enquire for course dates
  • Duration5 days
  • LocationCranfield University at Shrivenham
  • Cost£2,350 - Short Course for Credit fee 

    £1,925 - Standalone Short Course fee Concessions available

Course structure

Classroom lectures and tutorials. Virtual Learning Environment (VLE)-directed study.

What you will learn

On successful completion of this module a student should be able to:

  • Evaluate the challenges of operating a guided weapon at hypersonic velocities;
  • Assess the trade-offs between the various subsystems and technologies used in a hypersonic guided weapon;
  • Compare, contrast and appraise the key requirements for design of both offensive and defensive hypersonic weapon systems;
  • Critically analyse the design of countermeasures and defences against hypersonic guided weapons.

Core content

  • Introduction to Hypersonic Weapons: General overview of hypersonic GW, emerging technologies, MTCR rules.
  • Aerodynamics: Supersonic aerodynamic principles, hypersonic flow, Shock layers, entropy layers, viscous interaction, high temperature effects, low density effects, Newtonian flow model, hypersonic guided weapon applications.
  • Hypersonic Missile Propulsion: Rocket propellants & motors, Brayton Cycle, ramjet propulsion, scramjet aerothermodynamics.
  • Hypersonic Flight Dynamics and Stability: ICBM ballistics, orbital mechanics, re-entry, stability of hypersonic vehicles.
  • Guidance, Navigation and Control: Classical & nonlinear control applications for hypersonic vehicles, navigation methods, sensors for navigation, trajectory optimisation and hypersonic vehicle navigation.
  • Hypersonic Aeromechanics: Aeroelasticity, structures and materials for hypersonic applications.
  • Hypersonic Electronic Warfare: Communications, missile signatures and detection, plasma flow.
  • Hypersonic threats and countermeasures.

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Concessions

A limited number of MOD sponsored places are available

Location and travel

Cranfield Defence and Security (CDS) is a Cranfield School based at the Ministry of Defence establishment on the Oxfordshire/Wiltshire borders.

Shrivenham itself lies in the picturesque Vale of the White Horse, close to the M4 motorway which links London and South Wales. It is 7 miles from Swindon, the nearest town, which lies off the M4 at the hub of Britain’s motorway network.

Bath, Cheltenham, Bristol and Oxford are all within an hour’s drive and London less than two hours away by car.

All visitors must be pre-booked in at reception by the person they are visiting on the campus.


How to apply

To apply for this course please use the online application form.

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Read our Professional development (CPD) booking conditions.