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Australia’s Hypersonix Launch Systems has secured A$46 million ($30 million) in new funding to advance its hydrogen-powered hypersonic aircraft and engines. The Series A round was led by UK-based national security and frontier technology investor High Tor Capital, joined by European backers, QIC Ventures, and the Australian Government’s National Reconstruction Fund Corporation. The investment is intended to expand Hypersonix’s production capabilities and accelerate development of reusable scramjet engines at its Carole Park facility in Brisbane. Hypersonix is developing 3D-printed, hydrogen-powered hypersonic platforms capable of flying more than six times the speed of sound. Its SPARTAN scramjet engine has already secured major development contracts from the United States, positioning the company as a key player in next-generation defense propulsion. Queensland’s Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training, Ros Bates, said the investment would create more than 50 local jobs within three years while expanding Hypersonix’s partnerships with organizations such as NASA. “This investment, backed by the Crisafulli Government, means more high-tech jobs, helping Queenslanders build better lifestyles through a stronger economy, and more advanced manufacturing in a state that is well and truly open for business,” Bates said. (Hypersonix Launch Systems pic) She added that Queensland is “proud to back the people with the ideas, the skills, and the determination to turn breakthrough research into world-class companies.” QIC Ventures Partner Nicholas Guest said the company represents a rare chance to support a local innovator leading globally relevant hypersonic technology. “Investing in Hypersonix is an investment in Queensland as a base for world-leading aerospace innovation,” Guest said. “This is breakthrough technology allowing Australia and its allies to fly faster, further, and more often with an unmatched combination of speed, sustainability, and cost advantage.” Guest added that the Hypersonix team demonstrates that Queensland technology “can hold its own on the world stage,” pointing to the caliber of international investors joining the round as proof of global confidence. In a statement, Hypersonix CEO Matt Hill said the funding would help the company expand its defense-focused partnerships and scale operations globally. (QIC Ventures pic) “This funding marks an important milestone as Hypersonix transitions to securing highly experienced, defense-focused investors who can assist with scaling our global footprint,” Hill said. “Only five years into its journey, Hypersonix is contributing to next-generation hypersonic capability across two AUKUS nations, and we’re incredibly grateful for the support of our investors and their confidence in our mission.” Unlike conventional kerosene-powered scramjets, Hypersonix’s SPARTAN engine uses hydrogen fuel, producing zero carbon emissions while offering reusability and lower maintenance demands. The technology was developed by Dr. Michael Smart, a former NASA scientist and co-founder of the company. Hypersonix is preparing to flight-test its 3D-printed hydrogen scramjet engine on a test vehicle in cooperation with the U.S. Department of War early next year. According to QIC, this latest investment follows its previous backing of Gilmour Space Technologies and further strengthens Queensland’s position as a hub for advanced aerospace and hypersonic manufacturing.
