Written question asked by Marquess of Lothian (Conservative) on Tuesday, 14 October 2008, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 16 October 2008. It was answered by Lord Davies of Stamford (Labour) on Monday, 20 October 2008 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Energy: Research

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what research has been carried out by his Department into the kinetic energy of hypersonic mass over the last five years.

Answer: Over the past five years the MOD has commissioned research into the electromagnetic launch of kinetic energy projectiles to achieve hypersonic velocities. This research ended in 2005 as it was determined that the technology did not offer cost effective alternatives to current capabilities.The Department now maintains an awareness of electromagnetic launch and hypersonic projectiles technologies, and a capability to model KE projectile/target interactions as set out in the Defence Technology Strategy, a copy of which is available in the Library of the House.

Secondary information