AviationNews – Polaris Spaceplanes has secured a high-profile contract from the German military to develop and flight-test a reusable hypersonic vehicle. This ambitious project aims to bridge the gap between traditional aviation and rapid space access, marking a pivotal moment for European aerospace sovereignty.
The agreement, announced on January 27, 2026, was issued by the Bundeswehr’s Federal Office for Equipment, Information Technology, and In-Service Support (BAAINBw). Known as the Hypersonic Test and Experimentation Vehicle (HYTEV), the program is the culmination of nearly two years of research and development. Following preliminary design contracts in 2023 and 2025, the company is now tasked with producing a flight-ready system by the end of 2027. This development highlights a growing partnership between the German defense sector and innovative private startups.
Technically, the HYTEV is designed as a two-stage system featuring horizontal takeoff capabilities, allowing it to operate from existing runways. It maintains the physical footprint and takeoff weight of a modern fighter jet, but its performance is driven by the innovative AS-1 aerospike rocket motor. Unlike traditional nozzles, this engine maintains high efficiency at various altitudes, enabling the craft to exceed speeds of Mach 5. This versatility allows the vehicle to serve as a platform for atmospheric research or a launch vehicle for small satellites.
“We are extremely proud of the Bundeswehr’s continued confidence in our capabilities,” the company shared in an official statement. “To our knowledge, a contract for a comparable system has never been awarded to an entity in Europe, or perhaps even in the world.”
The success of the HYTEV program could revolutionize how nations approach global security and space logistics. By creating a fully reusable platform, Germany reduces the cost and environmental impact of high-speed missions. Looking forward, this technology paves the way for rapid reconnaissance missions outside the atmosphere and flexible, on-demand satellite deployments that do not rely on traditional vertical launch pads.
In summary, the Polaris HYTEV project represents a significant leap in hypersonic technology for the European continent. As testing progresses toward the 2027 flight goal, the program stands as a beacon of modern aerospace engineering and strategic defense planning.