UK facility to make exotic materials for hypersonic missiles

"CMCs are a composite material, one in which the fibers are ceramic or carbon, embedded in a ceramic matrix. They are created to overcome the brittleness of traditional ceramics, while providing high-temperature resistance, light weight, and high strength. According to DSTL, they are capable of withstanding temperatures exceeding 1,000°C (1,832°F), and unlike metals, they hold their strength and shape under extreme heat and stress."

"Their characteristics make them suitable for a variety of uses where toughness and the ability to withstand high temperatures are key, such as rocket nozzles or thermal protection systems for hypersonic vehicles. While the UK doesn't have a space industry on the same scale as other nations, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) does have a hypersonic missile program, and recently awarded a £12 million ($16 million) contract to an engineering firm to start development on the design."

"The UK has historically relied on overseas suppliers for these specialist materials, DSTL says. The investment in the Cross Manufacturing programme is intended to make Britain self-sufficient in this critical technology. This milestone represents a significant enhancement of UK sovereign capability. These advanced materials will underpin future defence systems, space technologies and high‑temperature applications."

The UK Defence Science and Technology Laboratory invested in Cross Manufacturing Ltd to develop the nation's first pilot-scale manufacturing process for ceramic matrix composites (CMCs). These composite materials combine ceramic or carbon fibers embedded in ceramic matrices, enabling them to withstand temperatures exceeding 1,000°C while maintaining strength and shape under extreme conditions. CMCs overcome traditional ceramic brittleness while providing lightweight, high-strength properties suitable for rocket nozzles and hypersonic vehicle thermal protection systems. The UK previously depended on overseas suppliers for these critical materials. This investment supports Britain's hypersonic missile program and aims to achieve sovereign capability in advanced materials technology, with a demonstrator expected by 2030.

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