Meet DART
The revolutionary DART is a three-metre-long, single-use, high-temperature alloy, hydrogen-fuelled, scramjet technology demonstrator.
World's first 3D printed airframe
DART is the world’s first entirely 3D-printed airframe of a hypersonic launch platform in high temperature alloys.
Future-focused strategy
DART’s additive manufacturing production is aligned with key objectives of Australia’s National Reconstruction Fund, including the priorities of Defence, Transport & Low Emission Technologies.
Australian designed and built
By designing and manufacturing DART product entirely in Australia, Hypersonix is proudly contributing to Australia’s sovereign capabilities, demonstrating industry impact and scale locally and globally.
Clean burning power
DART leverages the hydrogen fuel capabilities of SPARTAN for its high thrust and environmental benefits.
Specifications
Flexible, affordable launch
DART can be launched using both unguided sounding rockets as well as guided rockets. The prototype test launch, powered by a guided Rocket Lab rocket, is scheduled for Quarter 1, 2025.
Simple and proven
DART is simple in design allowing rapid production, and uses commercially available flight proven components to maximise scalability.
Powered by SPARTAN
DART is powered by a single SPARTAN, Hypersonix’s fifth generation scramjet engine. The hydrogen-powered SPARTAN is the world’s first fixed geometry 3D-printed scramjet engine, delivering performance, reliability, lead time and cost advantages over more bespoke manufacturing methods.
Hydrogen is fuel for a low carbon future
Hydrogen can be produced from just water, using renewable energy. Burning it in an engine produces only water vapour. There is a global movement towards low-carbon fuels and Australia is set to become a key player in the hydrogen industry, with government and private investment into local green hydrogen production facilities.
Hypersonix has partnered with BOC Australia, who has announced its intention to build a green hydrogen production facility using seawater as the main ingredient, in Queensland.
The clean hydrogen industry is growing quickly Australia-wide, with over $1.6 billion invested in the private sector and $1.27 billion in the public sector. The price of clean hydrogen is projected to decrease to between $2 and $4 per kilogram by 2030.
Hydrogen is an excellent aerospace fuel
The space industry has historically utilised hydrogen as rocket fuel, including in the space shuttle program.
Hydrogen is non-toxic and its low density means any leaks and fires are directed upwards — unlike hydrocarbon fuels, which could pool under the aircraft. Hypersonix’s vehicles are also unmanned, reducing the risks to humans. Hydrogen has approximately 2.5 times the energy density of hydrocarbon fuels, such as kerosene, making it the perfect fuel in an industry where every gram counts.
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