Xingkong-2: China successfully tests first hypersonic aircraft

China has successfully tested its first cutting-edge hypersonic "Waverider" flight vehicle (aircraft) Xingkong-2 (Starry Sky-2).

• Waverider is a flight vehicle that flies in the atmosphere and uses shockwaves generated by its own hypersonic flight with air to glide at high speed.
• Currently, United States and Russia have been carrying out similar experiments.

About the Test:

• The Xingkong-2 hypersonic waverider flight vehicle was released in air from a rocket after about 10 minutes.
• After its launch, it flew independently, made large-angle turning maneuvers and landed in the targeted area as planned.
• During the test, it had reached 30 kms in altitude at Mach 5.5 - 6 speed.
• The test successfully proved various parameters of the flight vehicle, thus marking a successful launch of Xingkong-2 and the first flight of the Chinese Waverider.

About Xingkong-2 (Starry Sky-2):

• The hypersonic Waverider flight vehicle was designed by state-run China Academy of Aerospace Aerodynamics (CAAA) in collaboration with China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation.
• It can carry both conventional and nuclear warheads.
• It has a capability to penetrate any current generation anti-missile defence systems due to its high speed and unpredictable trajectory.
• As compared to it, the current generation of anti-missile defence systems are mainly designed to intercept cruise and ballistic missiles which are either slower or easier to predict, making them possible to intercept.
• In addition to its military use, the hypersonic Waverider flight vehicle may also see civil use in the future.

Interesting to know:

• The test showed that China is advancing shoulder-to-shoulder with US and Russia in developing hypersonic Waverider flight vehicle.
• China is expected to test this Waverider more frequently in future before being handed over for final deployment to the People’s Liberation Army (PLA).

Question:

Q. What is the name of China's first cutting-edge hypersonic "Waverider" flight vehicle (aircraft) that it has successfully tested?
a. Kimkong-2 (Starry Sky-2)
b. Xingkong-2 (Starry Sky-2)
c. Xingjong-2 (Starry Sky-2)
d. None of the above