"The HEXAFLY project aims to mature an experimental high-speed self-propelled vehicle in combination with several multi-disciplinary technologies. By this approach, the grounds for a future flight test will be prepared and potential technological risks identified in time. This potential will increase drastically the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of developments realized in previous high-speed aeronautical projects on national and European level such as ATLLAS I & II and LAPCAT I & II.The different technologies and methodologies which need experimental flight testing at high speed are grouped around the 6 major axes of HEXAFLY:1. High-Speed Vehicle Concepts2. High-Speed Aerodynamics3. High-Speed Propulsion4. High-Temperature Materials and Structures5. High-Speed Flight Control6. High-Speed Environmental ImpactTo mature this experimental flight testing, a scientific mission profile will be defined followed by a proof-of-concept based upon:– a preliminary design of a high-speed experimental flight vehicle covering the 6 major axes– selection and integration of available ground-tested technologies– identification of the most promising flight platform(s)allowing to address following items for a follow-up project:– identification of potential technological barriers– assessment of the overall ROM-costs– the progress and potential of technology development at a higher TRLThe design of the experimental high-speed cruise vehicle design will be the main driver and challenge in this project with following scientific objectives:- a positive aero-propulsive balance at a cruise Mach number of 8- an integrated conceptual design demonstrating a combined propulsive and aerodynamic efficiency- making maximum use of earlier developed advanced high-temperature materials and/or structures- an evaluation of the sonic boom impact by deploying dedicated ground measurement equipments"