The Fattah-2 missile begins its flight with a solid-fuel booster that delivers the initial thrust, rapidly accelerating the missile to hypersonic speeds—reportedly exceeding Mach 15—and propelling it to high altitudes. This boost phase is crucial for building the speed and momentum required for the next stage of flight.As the missile ascends, it reaches a carefully calculated separation altitude, typically near the edge of the atmosphere—often above 30 kilometers and potentially as high as 100 kilometers. This altitude is selected to optimize the missile’s speed and set the stage for the hypersonic glide phase that follows.Once the missile reaches the desired altitude and velocity, the booster stage completes its burn and separates from the glide vehicle. This separation is achieved through mechanisms such as explosive bolts or mechanical release systems, similar to those used in other advanced missile technologies. The glide vehicle, carrying the warhead, is then free to begin its independent flight.Entering the glide phase, the vehicle reenters the atmosphere at hypersonic speed. It is aerodynamically shaped with a high lift-to-drag ratio, allowing it to travel great distances while maintaining maneuverability. Typically flying at altitudes between 12 and 30 kilometers—though it can descend lower if necessary—the glide vehicle is capable of shifting its trajectory in unpredictable ways. Unlike many other systems, the Fattah-2 also includes a small liquid-fuel rocket engine, which it uses during this phase to fine-tune its speed and altitude.As it nears its target, the glide vehicle drops to a lower altitude and activates its onboard engine once more. This allows it to stabilize its speed—still traveling at Mach 5 or higher—and execute sharp evasive maneuvers just before impact. The combination of extreme velocity, low flight altitude, and erratic path makes it exceptionally challenging for any air defense system to track and intercept the warhead in time.#hypersonic_missile #iran #fattah2 #israel