A research group from China developed a step-by-step guide that can significantly increase the effectiveness of hypersonic weapons using an inexpensive processor.
As reported, for this, they used the computer module of the chip NVIDIA Jetson TX2i, which can be freely purchased for a price ranging from $1000 to $1300. The device was installed in an air hypersonic vessel capable of developing a speed of more than 7 times the speed of sound (8,575 km/h).
According to test results, this module processes models of computing liquid dynamics with unprecedented efficiency, reducing calculation time from several seconds to 25 milliseconds – 4 times faster than the blink of a human eye.
Scientists noted that the module’s reaction rate makes it ideal for optimizing the fuel supply system in real time, diagnosing malfunctions, and controlling faults in Scramjet engines.
Although the TX2I chip costs much cheaper than modern graphic processors and is available online without export restrictions, its performance reaches 1.26 TFLOPS (teraFLOPS), which is approximately 2% of the power of the most advanced chip NVIDIA – H100.
Experts indicated that the use of the TX2I module in the Scramjet engine control system not only increased the range and stability of hypersonic devices but also significantly reduced the costs of research and development.
The article notes that this is not the first time American chips have been used in Chinese hypersonic weapons studies. Earlier, Intel processors and high-performance NVIDIA video cards were used to model complex high-speed flows.
Despite the potential successes in using the TX2I for hypersonic missiles, the likelihood of its use in Chinese military equipment remains low, as local chip manufacturers can offer alternatives that are