China tests three hypersonic missiles at one go
Beijing, Sep 30 : China has achieved a feat of testing three types of hypersonic aircraft missiles at the same time, a media report has said.
The tests of three scaled-down models of "wide-speed-range vehicles", which can fly at from hypersonic velocity to lower than the speed of sound, were carried out on September 21 at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in northwest China, according to state broadcaster CCTV.
In the news footage, three models representing differently shaped designs, code-named D18-1S, D18-2S and D18-3S, were lifted and then dropped from a balloon.
This was China's first test of this type of hypersonic aircraft, whose speed will be adjustable, meaning its scientists are working on another major aim - precision strike - towards an unstoppable nuclear-capable weapon, the South China Morning Post said.
Last month, Chinese scientists conducted their first experimental flight of a hypersonic glider named Starry Sky 2 that was launched by a rocket and then flew on its own shockwave at Mach 6 (six times the speed of sound or 7,344km/h).
Once fully developed, its sheer speed would be capable of penetrating any anti-missile defence system currently available.
The wide-speed-range aircraft, meanwhile, will have additional capability to slow down and fly in a stable mode at a lower velocity, which allows it in the terminal stage to aim, adjust trajectory and position and strike targets more precisely, according to military observers.
"Their technologies can be inter-complementary," said military commentator Song Zhongping, based in Hong Kong. "They can be combined together and make a hypersonic missile."
Researchers measured the respective aerodynamic features of three different design shapes and recorded their processes of falling, accelerating, breaking the sonic barrier, aerodynamic rebound, parachute opening, landing and retrieving while collecting data, CCTV said.
Song Zhongping said it was to compare and choose from the three designs. There will be further wind tunnel tests with larger or real-size models before finalising the aerodynamic configuration of the vehicle.
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Absconding doctor held in hit-and-run case that killed woman in Kochi
Kochi (PTI): Police on Friday took a doctor into custody after he had been on the run following a hit-and-run accident near here that claimed the life of a 19-year-old woman, officials said.
Police said Dr Cyriac George was taken into custody from a resort in Kannankulam, near Wagamon, in Idukki district, after local police received a tip-off about his presence there.
Police personnel in plain clothes reached the resort, and on seeing them, George attempted to flee but failed in the attempt. The accused was handed over to a police team from Angamaly that reached Wagamon, officials said.
Earlier in the day, police had arrested George’s father, George Mathew of Athirampuzha in Kottayam district, for allegedly helping the accused evade arrest.
Mathew was summoned to the Angamaly police station and, after interrogation, his arrest was recorded for aiding the accused to remain at large, police said. Police said Mathew had met George after the accident and assisted him in going into hiding.
Officials also said the vehicle involved in the hit-and-run incident was registered in Mathew’s name.
The victim, Jasliya Johnson (19) of Edavanakkad, sustained serious injuries while she was walking back to her hostel in Angamaly at around 7.30 pm on February 28.
She was declared brain dead at a private hospital here on March 3, after which her parents consented to donate her liver, kidneys and corneas. Dr George was working as a house surgeon at a private hospital in Ernakulam.
The investigation team had issued a lookout circular and conducted raids in Ernakulam, Kottayam and Idukki districts before tracing him, officials said. George had also approached the Kottayam District and Sessions Court seeking anticipatory bail.
