France tests hypersonic glider for first time

France has for the first time tested a hypersonic glide vehicle, a warhead that defies interception thanks to its unpredictable trajectory, a source with knowledge of the test said Tuesday.

Report informs via foreign media that the speed of HGVs can exceed Mach 5, or 6,000 kilometres per hour (3,730 mph).

The French glider, called V-Max, was launched from a sounding rocket -- which allows precise measurements -- that went airborne in southern France late Monday, the source told AFP.

France issued a warning notice covering a corridor of around 2,000 kilometres (1,240 miles) for air and sea traffic ahead of the launch.