Hypersonic Projectile Experimental Research (HYPER) Facility: Mobile Hydrometeor Diagnostic Facility with HypersonicProjectile Capabilities

The Hypersonic Projectile Experimental Research (HYPER) Facility has been developed at Purdue University to address critical gaps in the understanding of hypersonic hydrometeor interactions relevant to vehicle survivability. The facility integrates a remotely operated universal receiver, custom 0.50 caliber Browning Machine Gun (BMG) ammunition, and a modular projectile catch system within a transportable, fully instrumented shipping container. Custom designed projectiles for reduced mass and modular face geometries enable the theoretical attainment of velocities up to Mach 6. The experimental platform permits systematic investigation of hydrometeor aerobreakup, impact jetting, and secondary droplet formation under controlled conditions. Planned experiments include baseline characterization with commercial ammunition, followed by hypersonic testing of custom projectiles and off-campus deployment for external testing support.