EDF SILENT project: towards a European hypersonic quiet tunnel

Abstract

The SILENT project is a new research initiative backed by the European Defence Fund. Its main objective is to enhance the EU hypersonic testing capabilities by designing hypersonic quiet wind tunnels. Such state-of-the-art facilities are crucial to replicate the flight conditions of hypersonic cruise and re-entry vehicles, for which traditional wind tunnels fail to generate correct free-stream disturbance levels. By focusing on both low-enthalpy and the more challenging flightenthalpy quiet tunnel designs, SILENT addresses a strategic, technological and operational need in the EU defense sector. This paper outlines the project goals, its methodology and expected outcomes, while covering the links to application requirements and to the current state-of-the-art. The potential for disruptive innovation in hypersonic technologies, enhanced vehicle design capabilities and strengthened European defence R&D collaborations are highlighted.