Hypersonix, PFi Aerospace launch partnership

Aerospace startup Hypersonix has announced a framework agreement with PFi Aerospace, which it says is a significant step towards commercialisation of its scramjet-powered launch offering.

The announcement covers the ‘build phase’ of the prototype SPARTAN scramjet, and, according to PFi CEO Nick Green, would match his company’s ability to provide expertise to companies “as they move from proof of concept to achieving significant scale.”

Hypersonix’s goal is to develop reusable, hydrogen-powered craft that can “fly to space” to cost-effectively launch small satellites.

PFi would provide “a suitable site for bench testing and operation” as well as “access to other essential testing facilities” and co-development of all bespoke parts required for the test rig.

“We are very happy to give them a hand fabricating and testing components for their fifth-generation SPARTAN scramjet engine and their green hydrogen fuel system that goes with it,“ added Green.

“PFi’s expertise will boost our knowledge and capabilities and therefore shorten our time to market, reduce our risk and reduce our costs,” said Hypersonix CEO David Waterhouse.

“We are full steam ahead now on our build, something which makes any engineer’s heart beat faster. It is a very exciting time to our team, which has grown to 16 people over the past 12 months.”

The Thursday announcement is the latest in an eventful year for the University of Queensland spinout business. 

It follows the announcements of a partnership with Boeing Research and Technology on vehicle studies in March, partnership with BOC on supply of green hydrogen in April, achievement of Mach 10 in ground tests for SPARTAN the following month, and a framework agreement with Romar Engineering in July.

Picture: Hypersonix

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