A research team in China has successfully implemented a low-cost artificial intelligence (AI) chip to enhance the performance of hypersonic weapons, the South China Morning Post reports.
Chinese Researchers Use Nvidia AI Chip to Enhance Hypersonic Weapons
The breakthrough, detailed in a peer-reviewed paper published in the Chinese academic journal Propulsion Technology, showcases the transformative capabilities of the Nvidia Jetson TX2i GPU computer module when integrated into air-breathing hypersonic aircraft.
The Nvidia chip, which can be purchased online for a fraction of the cost of high-end alternatives, demonstrates unprecedented efficiency in processing computational fluid dynamics models.
Tests indicate that calculations, previously taking seconds to complete, can now be executed in just 25 milliseconds - a remarkable feat, noted to be four times faster than the blink of an eye.
Low-cost Hypersonic Weapon Chip
According to Professor Sun Ximing's team from Beijing Power Machinery Research Institute and Dalian University of Technology, the integration of the TX2i module into the scramjet engine control system not only amplifies the range and stability of hypersonic vehicles but also significantly reduces research and development costs.
The project's lead, Professor Sun Ximing, remarked, "The TX2i module in the scramjet engine control system not only boosts the range and stability of hypersonic vehicles but also significantly reduces their research and development costs."
Nvidia's Jetson TX2i, with a peak single-precision performance of 1.26 TFlops, emerges as an accessible alternative to more expensive AI chips, such as the H100. The latter, though powerful, is cost-prohibitive and faces supply constraints. The TX2i, on the other hand, is widely available online for a few hundred dollars and remains unaffected by US export controls.
A U.S. Army 3rd Infantry Division, 1st Battallion, 39th Field Artillery Regiment (1-39) Bravo Battery Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) vehicle fires a M28A1 practice rocket during exercises February 13, 2003 near the Iraqi border in northern Kuwait. The MLRS is used to target enemy air defenses and command and control sites from a distance of over 30 kilometers away.
The integration of the Nvidia chip marks a departure from previous studies utilizing high-performance graphics cards, which, while possessing excellent computational capabilities, were hindered by factors such as high power consumption and large size. The TX2i's compact size and efficient processing make it an ideal candidate for embedded controllers in the aerospace field.
However, despite the groundbreaking development, challenges remain. Further work is required in areas such as inlet modeling, shock wave correction, and data modeling to fully harness the potential of the AI chip in hypersonic vehicles. The research team emphasizes the need for extensive wind tunnel testing and actual flights to refine parameters crucial for optimal performance.
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More Countries Developing Hypersonic Weapons
While China's domestic chip manufacturers could offer viable alternatives, the study aims to demonstrate the viability of utilizing budget AI chips for hypersonic weapons.
The findings hold implications beyond China, as other nations, including Germany, France, Japan, North Korea, and Iran, are actively pursuing hypersonic weapon research and development programs.
The proliferation of hypersonic weapon technology raises concerns regarding global security. In recent years, the United States has expressed apprehension, with analysts warning of the potential destabilizing effects of widespread hypersonic capabilities.
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