A method of flight control for a hypersonic flight vehicle at high altitude is described. The method, based on well-known MHD principles, takes advantage of the ionized gases in the flow behind the bow shock and manipulates the plasma by magnetic fields. The fields are generated by onboard vehicle systems, which in turn react with forces to produce moments on the vehicle. Those moments can be used to control the flight path. It is shown that sufficiently strong magnets in the vehicle provide effective magnetohydrodynamic interaction with the plasma.

The strength of the interaction depends, in part, on the magnetic field strength, the conductivity in the gases, and the velocity of the flow. Candidate magnets are discussed. Enhancement of the conductivity by seeding and the possible enhancement by magnetically induced ohmic heating of the electron gas were investigated. A configuration of magnets and insulation on the vehicle is described that provides a closed path for the primary MHD current and ameliorates magnetoresistive effects by significantly reducing the Hall currents.