SSS.6.50 - CGS Hyperion K and the Q mini FIX 300 BLK Subsonic (Free Version)
/CGS Hyperion K on a Q mini FIX 300 BLK with 8-in Barrel
The Hyperion K is designed by CGS Group. It is a 30 caliber centerfire rifle silencer, intended to suppress most cartridges with projectiles appropriately sized to travel through the bore, including 300 Norma Magnum. It has a 1.75-inch diameter and is 6.3 inches in length. The silencer is available as a 5/8”-24tpi 25-degree tapered direct-thread model that may also be used with Hyperion Thread Adapters. The adapters may be used for barrels with diameters less than 0.725 inches or for host weapons with 1/2”-28tpi thread pitches. The use of the adapters adds approximately 0.8 inches to the length of the silencer. The Hyperion K core is constructed of Direct Metal Laser Sintered (DMLS, or “3D Printed”) heat treated 6AL4V (Grade 5) titanium. The front endcap is interchangeable and also constructed of Grade 5 titanium. The thread adapters are made of 17-4 stainless steel. The silencer weighs 10.4 ounces. The Hyperion K can be obtained from Silencer Shop.
PEW Science is an independent private testing laboratory and also the world’s only publicly funded suppressed small arms research cooperative. Testing, data analysis, and reporting is generated with funding provided by PEW Science members. Any test data that is generated with any portion of private funding contains this disclosure. The testing and data production for this Sound Signature Review was funded in part by PEW Science Project PEW-CGS-006-001-20. Therefore, data pertaining to the Hyperion K in this Sound Signature Review is published with the express written permission of CGS Group, LLC.
This review contains single-test results using the Hyperion K direct-thread mounted to the Q mini FIX bolt action pistol, chambered in 300 BLK with an 8-inch barrel. Discreet Ballistics 190gr ammunition was used in the test.
- Section 6.50.1 contains the Hyperion K test results and analysis.
- Section 6.50.2 contains Suppression Rating comparisons with selected .30 rifle silencers in the subsonic flow regime.
- Section 6.50.3 contains Suppression Rating comparisons with selected .30 rifle silencers in both the subsonic and supersonic flow regimes along with high-fidelity comparisons of the Hyperion K performance in both flow regimes in pressure and impulse space. PEW Science Back Pressure Metric, Ω [Pa-1] comparisons are also included. Further information about the Ω metric and Omega Zones can be obtained in PEW Science Research Supplement 6.40 (Public Article).
- Section 6.50.4 contains the review summary and PEW Science opinions.
Summary: When paired with the Q mini FIX 8” 300 BLK and fired with Discreet Ballistics 190gr Subsonic Target ammunition, the CGS Hyperion K in the direct thread configuration achieved a Suppression Rating™ of 48.6 in PEW Science testing.
The supersonic .308 performance of the CGS Hyperion K is detailed in previous Sound Signature Review 6.28, in which it achieved a Suppression Rating of 37.3.
Relative Suppression Rating Performance is Summarized in SSS.7 - PEW Science Rankings
6.50.1 CGS Hyperion K Sound Signature Test Results
A summary of the principal Silencer Sound Standard performance metrics of the CGS Hyperion K is shown in Table 1. The data acquired 1.0 m (39.4 in) left of the muzzle is available for viewing to all. The data acquired 0.15 m (6 in) right of the shooter’s ear is only available to membership supporters of PEW Science and the Silencer Sound Standard. You can support PEW Science testing, research, and development with a membership, here. State-of-the-art firearm sound signature testing and research conducted by PEW Science is supported by readers like you.
Table 1. CGS Hyperion K Sound Metric Summary
6.50.1.1 SOUND SIGNATURES AT THE MUZZLE
Real sound pressure histories from a 5-shot test acquired with PEW-SOFT™ are shown below. The waveforms are not averaged, decimated, or filtered. The data acquisition rate used in all PEW Science testing is 1.0 MS/s (1 MHz). The peaks, shape, and time phasing (when the peaks occur in relation to absolute time and to each other) of these raw waveforms are the most accurate of any firearm silencer testing publicly available. PEW-SOFT data is acquired by PEW Science independent testing; the industry leader in silencer sound research. For more information, please consult the Silencer Sound Standard, here.
Figure 1 shows a 2-millisecond long sequence of events during the first test shot with the CGS Hyperion K, as measured 1.0 m left of the muzzle. There are five significant events shown:
During combustion within the weapon system, a 116.7 dB peak is measured.
As the precursor flow exits the silencer’s endcap, a peak of 123.0 dB is measured.
Prior to muzzle blast exit, peak precursor flow is measured to reach a peak of 131.6 dB.
The primary muzzle blast flow coupled with the bullet endcap exit event, is measured to be 148.2 dB.
Latent jetting results in a peak overpressure amplitude measured to be 145.2 dB.
This is a typical sequence observed when firing subsonic 300 BLK ammunition from a bolt-action weapon system with an attached silencer that exhibits low flow restriction (low back pressure); internal silencer design can significantly influence the measured timing and pressure amplitudes. Supersonic and subsonic suppression performance, along with back pressure comparisons are shown in Section 6.50.3 of this review, with the PEW Science Back Pressure Metric, Ω [Pa-1].
Fig. 1 Early-Time Shot History, CGS Hyperion K Bolt Action 300 BLK Muzzle Sound Pressure Signature, 24-OCT-2020
The back pressure generated by the CGS Hyperion K is lower than that generated by the Surefire SOCOM762-RC2 (Review 6.46), but not as low as that generated by the OSS HX-QD 762 (Review 6.45). The flow rate is most similar to that of the YHM Resonator K (Review 6.30). It is interesting to note that the Hyperion K is quieter than all of those silencers in the subsonic flow regime. Quantitative performance comparisons are provided in Section 6.50.3 of this review.
In a similar fashion to the early time subsonic 300 BLK signature suppression with the OSS HX-QD 762 silencer, precursor flow (the pressure measured from compression and subsequent overpressure pulse through the air column in the gun barrel by the bullet prior to bullet exit) is visible and plainly decoupled from the bullet exit event. This is in contrast to the subsonic signature generated by other low back pressure silencers such as the the Surefire SOCOM762-RC2, which are able to suppress the precursor flow such that its occurrence is coupled with the bullet’s endcap exit.
Whereas the SOCOM762-RC2 silencer was able to outperform the HX-QD 762 in subsonic signature by further precursor flow suppression, the CGS Hyperion K produces a sound signature with frequency and phase components that are noticeably more pleasing to the ear, at both the muzzle and the shooter’s head position, while still allowing some precursor flow to exit before the bullet. This anomalous subsonic suppression performance occurs despite its supersonic suppression performance being lower than that of the SOCOM762-RC2 at the muzzle; an artifact that with its high flow rate (low back pressure) continues to set it apart as discussed in PEW Science Member Research Supplement 6.42 - Balancing Back Pressure and Suppression Rating. The performance of the Hyperion K is anomalous for both its flow rate and its size envelope.
The primary sound signature pressure histories for all 5 shots are shown in Figure 2a. A zoomed-in timescale displays the region of peak sound pressure in Figure 2b, for the first two shots. The real sound impulse (momentum transfer potential) histories from the same 5-shot test are shown in Figure 3. Again, full and short timescales are shown.
Fig 2a. CGS Hyperion K Bolt Action 300 BLK Muzzle Sound Pressure Signature, 24-OCT-2020
Fig 2b. CGS Hyperion K Bolt Action 300 BLK Muzzle Sound Pressure Signature, Short Time Window, 24-OCT-2020
Figure 3a. CGS Hyperion K Bolt Action 300 BLK Muzzle Sound Impulse Signature, 24-OCT-2020
Figure 3b. CGS Hyperion K Bolt Action 300 BLK Muzzle Sound Impulse Signature, 24-OCT-2020
The CGS Hyperion K produces perceptible FRP to bystanders; it is also plainly visible in both the pressure and impulse regimes (Figure 2 and Figure 3, respectively). As discussed above, although the Hyperion K generates relatively low back pressure, its suppression method still allows for marginal trapping of gas, like the SOCOM762-RC2. However, the flow rate of the Hyperion K is higher. The shape of the impulse waveforms (Figure 3a) are similar to those measured from the OSS HX-QD in early time. However, in late time, the impulse is more similar to that from the SOCOM762-RC2.
PEW Science Note 1: The increase in back pressure from the Hyperion K compared with that of the OSS HX-QD 762 is not extremely significant, but the suppression mechanisms are different enough that the early-time flow is more restricted with the Hyperion K and the bullet exit event coupled with the muzzle blast is less severe. This extra gas flow restriction pays significant subsonic suppression performance dividends, as subsonic suppression is highly dependent upon back pressure generation; it is the primary mechanism of subsonic sound signature suppression in most small arm weapon system silencers. The reader is encouraged to examine the performance of other silencers in similar Omega Metric ranges as defined in PEW Science Public Research Supplement 6.40. This is also discussed in Section 6.50.3, below.
PEW Science Note 2: The CGS Hyperion K is identical, in all aspects other than the mounting thread pitch, to the CGS Helios DT. The Hyperion K is not the same silencer as the CGS Helios QD, in either internal or external features. Though the silencers share some design similarities, the Helios QD generates more back pressure, is larger, and has a significantly different gas flow entrance geometry feeding the silencer core. Subsonic performance of the Helios QD is the subject of a future Sound Signature Review.
The FRP of the Hyperion K in the subsonic flow regime is noticeable but not severe. First-round sound signatures always differ from subsequent shots, as the atmosphere within the silencer changes. The FRP phenomenon cannot always be shown by viewing only the peak sound pressure. This is one of the reasons why The Silencer Sound Standard requires examining multiple sound signature metrics.
With subsonic 300 BLK from an 8-inch barrel, the Hyperion K is noticeably quieter to bystanders than it is with supersonic .308 from a 20-in barrel. Direct comparisons with other silencers are provided in Section 6.50.2 and 6.50.3, below.
6.50.2 Suppression Rating Comparison - Subsonic 300 BLK
The CGS Hyperion K suppressor is intended to possess high mass flow rate (low back pressure; low PEW Science Omega metric) while exhibiting moderate sound suppression (exhibiting a moderate PEW Science Suppression Rating) in a compact and lightweight envelope. As previously discussed, its subsonic sound signature suppression performance is not extreme but it is respectable for the back pressure generated by the silencer. Figure 6 shows a performance comparison of the nine .30 rifle silencer configurations tested with the subsonic 300 BLK cartridge shown in public PEW Science testing, to date. Unsuppressed and suppressed Suppression Ratings are shown for both the shooter and bystanders.
Figure 6. Suppression Rating Comparisons Of .30 Rifle Silencers Using PEW-SOFT 300 BLK Subsonic Test Data
The mass flow rate of the CGS Hyperion K is high, but the baffle core technology possess enough conventional gas-trapping features such that it reaches sound suppression performance with subsonic 300 BLK between that of compact and midsize .30 silencers on the market. This lower subsonic suppression performance of the Hyperion K is a physical consequence of the silencer’s size and back pressure reducing design. The Suppression Rating 1.0 m left of the endcap is almost two full categories lower than that of the Sig SRD762Ti-QD (Review 6.39), which represents a significant gap in sound suppression performance. However, the muzzle Suppression Rating of the Hyperion K is almost a full category higher than that of the OSS HX-QD 762 (Review 6.45) with subsonic 300 BLK, which is a meaningful performance differential due to both silencers exhibiting relatively low back pressure. Although the OSS HX-QD 762 back pressure is extremely low, some users may not require that extreme for weapon operation. Therefore, the performance balance of the Hyperion K across the two flow regimes may be more attractive. This is a similar conclusion to that reached by PEW Science when examining the Surefire SOCOM762-RC2.
It is interesting to note that the Hyperion K has lower back pressure than the SOCOM762-RC2 and is significantly smaller, but exhibits higher subsonic suppression performance. This is highly atypical. Section 6.50.3, below, presents quantitative back pressure metrics alongside supersonic and subsonic Suppression Ratings for the silencers, for direct comparison.
Interestingly, the Hyperion K surpasses the at-ear Suppression Rating of the unwiped Energetic Armament VOX S (Review 6.25) on this weapon system, despite being very similar in length and having significantly lower flow restriction (lower back pressure). This is due to the coaxial design of the Hyperion K and the blast chamber gas entrance geometry; its technology offers more advanced signature suppression with a higher mass flow rate than the simple non-ported cone baffles in the Energetic Armament VOX S silencer.
The propensity of a rifle silencer to exhibit differing sound signature suppression in the supersonic and subsonic flow regimes is typical. To illustrate the differing sound suppression phenomena, detailed comparative analysis of the Hyperion K in both flow regimes is presented below, along with summary data for four other silencers.
6.50.3 Suppression Rating Comparison - Subsonic 300 BLK vs. Supersonic .308
The sound suppression performance of five silencers in both the supersonic and subsonic flow regimes are compared in Figure 7, below. The solid colors in the plot denote supersonic .308 performance, whereas the typical shaded patterns denote subsonic 300 BLK performance. As the PEW Science Suppression Rating is a universal sound signature metric based upon the response of the human inner ear, all metrics in this plot are comparable to each other, regardless of cartridge. The PEW Science Suppression Rating is the only sound signature metric that allows the comparison of human inner ear response to fast transients, across all suppressed weapon system platforms.
PEW Science has also developed an empirical relation to quantify the back pressure (flow restriction) of silencers. Omega Zones are intended to provide guidance to weapons developers, silencer designers, and end-users, with regard to flow restriction characteristics of different silencer designs. It is very important to note that silencers possessing a relatively high Ω can still provide functional use on weapon systems. Some weapon systems are more sensitive to Ω than others.
Figure 7. Suppression Rating Comparisons Of .30 Rifle Silencers Using PEW-SOFT 300 BLK Subsonic and .308 Supersonic Test Data
There is a significant amount of data presented in Figure 7, above. The reader is encouraged to observe the plot legend and notes, such that the data is viewed and interpreted in the appropriate context.
The sound suppression performance of the Hyperion K in the subsonic flow regime is higher than all of the silencers at the muzzle, with the exception of the Energetic Armament VOX S. However, at the ear, the Hyperion K outperforms the VOX S, despite being similar in length. As the standoff between the silencer endcap and the shooter’s ear between the two silencers is very similar, this Suppression Rating differential is notable; it also highlights sound field changes that may be dependent upon frequency components of the signature.
The back pressure generation of the Hyperion K is identical to that of the YHM Resonator K (Review 6.32), yet the Hyperion K is able to outperform the Resonator K in both the supersonic and subsonic flow regimes. Both silencers are compact and similar in weight. The Hyperion K is, overall, a higher performing silencer than the Resonator K in every objective metric of sound suppression and gas flow dynamics.
As previously discussed, the supersonic suppression performance of the CGS Hyperion K (Review 6.28) is similar to that of the SOCOM762-RC2 (Review 6.26) and OSS HX-QD 762 (Review 6.41), but the subsonic performance of the Hyperion K is less handicapped than that of the OSS, despite its low back pressure. Unlike the OSS HX-QD 762 (Review 6.45), the both the Hyperion K and the SOCOM762-RC2 data and analysis presented by PEW Science indicate that the Hyperion technology in the Hyperion K and the conventional and ported baffle characteristics of the Surefire silencer are favorable for subsonic suppression. The suppression mechanism of the OSS HX-QD 762 does not excel below a certain pressure and combustion duration threshold.
As discussed above and in prior PEW Science publications, the Energetic Armament VOX S (multiple reviews) employs a primitive non-ported straight cone design and the performance metrics in Figure 7 illustrate this. The CGS Hyperion K is able to not only outperform the Energetic Armament VOX S in the supersonic flow regime and do so with lower back pressure, but it surpasses the at-ear Suppression Rating with subsonic 300 BLK on the tested host weapon platform. This is an example of technology advancement in silencer design.
PEW Science Research Note: The performance differentials shown in Figure 7 are not only due to peak sound pressure. Multiple waveform characteristics comprise a silencer’s holistic sound signature. PEW Science postulates that most readers and silencer users have never been presented with information indicating that silencers perform differently in different flow regimes, anecdotal experience notwithstanding. In addition to combustion duration, the time at which peak positive phase pressure is reached, its duration, and its impulse accumulation, are factors that may significantly influence the interpretation of a sound signature to the human ear. These phenomena have been demonstrated previously in Section 3 of both the OSS and Surefire subsonic Sound Signature Reviews:
As previously presented by PEW Science, the OSS HX-QD 762 lets flow out of the silencer too quickly for subsonic suppression to be effective; the precursor flow signature was also significant. PEW Science also presented data and analysis showing that the internal geometry of the HX-QD is not effectively utilized under a certain flow velocity and pressure threshold, indicating its greater efficacy in the supersonic flow regime.
In contrast with the OSS silencer, PEW Science presented data and analysis demonstrating that the Surefire SOCOM762-RC2 possesses a flow restriction that is high enough to trap enough gas for subsonic 300 BLK sound suppression to be at least marginally effective. This behavior was clearly shown by the relative rise-time delay in the subsonic 300 BLK waveforms compared to the supersonic signatures, demonstrating balanced trapping of gas, even with low backpressure.
Below, the supersonic and subsonic signatures of the Hyperion K are shown. Figure 8a presents the first round sound signatures of the CGS Hyperion K silencer in the supersonic and subsonic flow regimes, respectively, in pressure space. The same comparison is shown in impulse space, in Figure 8b.
Figure 8a. CGS Hyperion K Supersonic .308 And Subsonic 300BLK Bolt Action Rifle Muzzle Sound Pressure Signature Comparison (FRP)
Figure 8b. CGS Hyperion K Supersonic .308 And Subsonic 300BLK Bolt Action Rifle Muzzle Sound Impulse Signature Comparison (FRP)
It is immediately apparent, upon examination of the bullet exit events from the Hyperion K in Figure 8a, that the silencer possesses some similarities and differences in its relationship between supersonic and subsonic behavior than both the OSS and Surefire silencers.
The CGS Hyperion K is shown to have precursor flow signature in the subsonic regime that is more severe than the SOCOM762-RC2, but not as severe as the HX-QD 762. This is consistent with the PEW Science Omega Metric; the mass flow rate of the Hyperion K is between that of the HX-QD 762 and the SOCOM762-RC2.
Like the HX-QD 762, the peak pressure amplitude from the Hyperion K occurs coupled with the bullet exit event in the subsonic flow regime. This is due to their high flow rate. In contrast, the SOCOM762-RC2 produces a significant decoupling of the exit event in the subsonic regime, but a coupling in the supersonic regime. This is a result of the balanced performance of the SOCOM762-RC2, as it balances back pressure and suppression, across flow regimes.
The significant subsonic flow decoupling with the SOCOM762-RC2 is similar to the supersonic flow decoupling with both the HX-QD 762 and Hyperion K. The Hyperion K does not decouple flow in the subsonic regime, like the SOCOM726-RC2. Yet, the Hyperion K has superior subsonic suppression performance. The performance delta in the subsonic flow regime between the SOCOM762-RC2 and the Hyperion K, to the human ear, is postulated to be due to differences in overpressure amplitude and phase, and not necessarily positive phase impulse accumulation. The Hyperion K is able to maintain high flow rate through the silencer while normalizing peak amplitude. Expedient venting to the annulus early in the gas path is a significant factor.
The same conclusions presented above for the FRP signatures are apparent when examining the signatures from the second shots, below, in Figure 9a and Figure 9b.
Figure 9a. CGS Hyperion K Supersonic .308 And Subsonic 300BLK Bolt Action Rifle Muzzle Sound Pressure Signature Comparison (Shot 2)
Figure 9b. CGS Hyperion K Supersonic .308 And Subsonic 300BLK Bolt Action Rifle Muzzle Sound Impulse Signature Comparison (Shot 2)
The exact same phenomena observed during Shot 1 in both supersonic and subsonic flow regimes with the Hyperion K that were observed in Figure 8 are again observed in Figure 9. Precursor flow is again plainly visible in the subsonic regime, and the timing and impulse accumulation is vastly different between flow regimes. The Hyperion K is significantly quieter with subsonic 300 BLK than it is with supersonic .308, despite its very low back pressure.
The flow and suppression balances of the HX-QD 762, SOCOM762-RC2, and Hyperion K are subjects of continued PEW Science research. These three silencers, along with the Dead Air Sandman-S, continue to represent outliers in the .30 rifle silencer market.
6.50.4 Review Summary: CGS Hyperion K on a Q mini FIX 300 BLK with 8-in Barrel
When paired with the Q mini FIX 8” 300 BLK and fired with Discreet Ballistics 190gr Subsonic Target ammunition, the CGS Hyperion K in the direct thread configuration achieved a Suppression Rating™ of 48.6 in PEW Science testing.
PEW Science Subjective Opinion:
The CGS Hyperion K is a compact 30 caliber rifle silencer that possesses competitive sound signature suppression performance in the supersonic flow regime with many silencers on the market, especially for its size. Notably, the Hyperion K produces significantly reduced back pressure and respectable subsonic suppression performance; the combination of which is atypical. The silencer weighs 10.4 ounces, making it one of the lightest .30 silencers on the market.
The back pressure generated by the CGS Hyperion K is lower than that generated by the Surefire SOCOM762-RC2, but not as low as that generated by the OSS HX-QD 762. For reference, the flow rate is most similar to that of the YHM Resonator K. It is interesting to note that the Hyperion K is quieter than all of those silencers in the subsonic flow regime. The performance of the Hyperion K is anomalous for both its flow rate and its size envelope.
The supersonic suppression performance of the CGS Hyperion K is similar to that of the SOCOM762-RC2 and OSS HX-QD 762, but the subsonic performance of the Hyperion K is less handicapped than that of the OSS, despite its low back pressure.
The internal baffle geometry of the Hyperion K is patented and present in all CGS rifle silencers, though it does possess key variations, dependent upon model. The blast chamber immediately vents flow into two primary directions; a main axial flow path and a coaxial outer flow path. The utilization of the coaxial chamber is unique, in that main axial flow is introduced into existing coaxial flow approximately halfway forward of the blast baffle. In addition to this secondary flow introduction, the coaxial chamber may be vented to atmosphere at the forward section of the silencer by using a vented end-cap. An optional vented end-cap significantly changes the functionality of the silencer. It is important to note that the vented flow with the vented end-cap originates only from the coaxial chamber.
The Hyperion K is constructed of 3D printed titanium; continued research shows that the grain structure of DMLS produced titanium and other similarly produced alloy components can exhibit uniformity that is superior to that of traditionally produced alloy structures, which is the subject of continued research. Due to the gas flow path geometry which vents gas expediently to the outer annulus, coupled with the uniform construction and proprietary heat treat process, it is postulated that the Hyperion K exhibits higher durability not typically characteristic of titanium silencers.
The CGS Hyperion K is identical, in all aspects other than the mounting thread pitch, to the CGS Helios DT. The Hyperion K is not the same silencer as the CGS Helios QD, in either internal or external features. Though the silencers share some design similarities, the Helios QD generates more back pressure, is larger, and has a significantly different gas flow entrance geometry feeding the silencer core. Subsonic performance of the Helios QD is the subject of a future Sound Signature Review.
In this review, the CGS Hyperion K performance metrics depend upon suppressing a subsonic intermediate rifle cartridge. While the sound signature of such cartridges can be suppressed to levels that may result in the desire of the shooter and bystanders to not wear hearing protection, PEW Science encourages the reader to remain vigilant with regard to all subsonic rifle cartridge suppression claims. The gas volume and combustion products created by firing a subsonic intermediate rifle cartridge such as 300 BLK are still significant; the measured pressure and impulse magnitudes, and their durations, illustrate this fact.
The hearing damage potential of subsonic rifle use is not insignificant. PEW Science encourages the reader to consider the Suppression Rating when deciding on an appropriate silencer and host weapon combination for their desired use.
