Hypersonix’s DART AE Completes Mach 5+ Test Flight on Rocket Lab HASTE

Overview

• Rocket Lab’s HASTE booster launched the 3.5‑metre DART AE from Wallops Island, Virginia, on February 27 during the mission dubbed “That’s Not a Knife.”
• Hypersonix reports the scramjet demonstrator exceeded Mach 5, completed its planned profile, and captured propulsion, materials, and control telemetry.
• The flight ran under the US Defense Innovation Unit, pairing Australian-developed technology with US launch infrastructure for a transnational test campaign.
• Rocket Lab says HASTE is meeting objectives and providing a rapid, repeatable platform that is accelerating DIU hypersonic testing with multiple recent launches.
• Hypersonix’s recent US$46 million Series A—led by High Tor Capital with backing from Saab and Australian funds—will fund expanded flight tests, manufacturing scale‑up, and follow‑on vehicles targeting higher speeds.