Survivability in a high threat environment is one of the hypersonic bombers most important characteristics.146 The hypersonic bomber’s high operating speed and flight altitude provide inherent defenses against fairly robust and integrated air defense systems (IADS). Current fighters will not be able to engage a hypersonic bomber. Few surface-to-air missiles
SAMs) have the capability to intercept a highflying hypersonic bomber successfully.
Consider for example, a Mach 7 hypersonic bomber against capable threats. The SA-5,
10, and SA-12 are used because they are capable high-altitude missiles that have unclassified parameters listed in Jane’s publications. Using the last test of the X-43 as an example a hypersonic bomber, parameters are 4900 mph (Mach 7) at 100,000 feet.5’s best missiles fly at speeds up to Mach 8 and are capable of striking targets at 130,000 feet.148 However, the maximum target velocity for the SA-5 is approximately 2600 mph, and therefore cannot hit a hypersonic bomber.
The SA-10 can fly at speeds up Mach 6 and hit targets as high as 150,000 feet but its maximum target speed is 2610 mph and thus cannot hit a hypersonic bomber at 100,000 feet. However, Jane’s claims the SA-12’s maximum target speed is over 6500 mph, or Mach 9.5. This is greater than the notional Mach 7 hypersonic bomber speed. Nevertheless, Jane’s claims the SA-12’s maximum effective altitude is 98,000 feet. Therefore, a hypersonic bomber can also operate unimpeded near an SA-12 “Giant” surface-to-air missile system.