Hypersonic weapons are highly maneuverable weapons that travel at least 5 times faster than sound, or about 6,200 kilometers (3,853 miles) per hour. The development of hypersonic weapons is driven by innovative manufacturing processes, such as 3D printing, which enable the most efficient shapes to interact with the fuel burning and cooling process. As of today, most research into hypersonic flight is not for civil aviation. It originates from the military, where there's been a burst of activity in recent years with increased military spending by China, Russia, and the United States. All three countries have demonstrated their capabilities to create hypersonic weapons.