SSS.6.28 - CGS Hyperion K and the Savage Model 10 PC .308
/CGS Hyperion K on a Savage Model 10 .308 with 20-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 and the thread adapters weigh 1.6 ounces or 2 ounces (5/8”-24tpi or 1/2”-28tpi, respectively). 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 mounted with a thread adapter on the Savage Model 10 Precision Carbine rifle, chambered in .308WIN with an 20-inch barrel. Federal XM80C 149gr ammunition was used in the test.
Summary: When paired with the Savage M10 20” .308 and fired with Federal XM80C, the CGS Hyperion K with thread adapter achieved a Suppression Rating™ of 37.3 in PEW Science testing.
Test data for the full-size version of this silencer, the CGS Hyperion, can be found in Sound Signature Review 6.27.
6.28.1 CGS Hyperion K Sound Signature Test Results
A summary of the principal Silencer Sound Standard performance metrics of the 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. This is a members-only review and includes pressure and impulse waveforms measured at the shooter’s ear. PEW Science thanks you for your support; further testing, research, and development of PEW-SOFT and the Silencer Sound Standard is made possible by members like you!
Table 1. CGS Hyperion K Sound Metric Summary
6.28.1.1 SOUND SIGNATURES AT THE MUZZLE
Real sound pressure histories 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.
Figure 1 shows a 0.95 millisecond long portion of the first round sound pressure signature of the CGS Hyperion K as measured 1.0 m left of the muzzle. There are four significant waveform features labeled:
The endcap exit event results in an initial pressure pulse peak of 143.0 dB.
Jetting increases gradually and a 147.2 dB peak is observed.
The peak of the first jet reaches an amplitude of 151.3 dB.
The highest sound pressure amplitude of the first shot is 151.6 dB.
This is an atypical sequence observed when firing supersonic .308WIN ammunition from a bolt-action rifle with an attached silencer that exhibits low flow restriction (back pressure). There is a decoupled bullet endcap exit event as typical, but the initial jetting experiences a slightly delayed increase. These observations are postulated to indicate that the silencer is exhibiting high flow rate with a slightly delayed onset or jet formation. Internal silencer design can significantly influence the measured timing and pressure amplitudes. Preliminary back pressure comparisons are shown in Section 6.28.2 of this review.
Fig 1. CGS Hyperion K First Round Bolt Action Rifle Muzzle Sound Pressure Signature, 24-OCT-2020
For reference, the reader is also encouraged to review the performance data of the Dead Air Sandman-K in Sound Signature Review 6.15 and the Rugged Radiant in its short configuration in Sound Signature Review 6.12. The Sandman-K and the short configuration of the Radiant are two very low back pressure silencers; albeit very loud silencers (they possess very low Suppression Ratings). The Hyperion K exhibits similarly low back pressure but is significantly quieter; its sound suppression performance differential is significant, and that aspect of its performance is more appropriately compared with silencers such as the SilencerCo Omega 300 in Sound Signature Review 6.10. Direct comparisons are provided in Section 6.28.2 of this review.
Closer views of the first peak of all shots with the Hyperion K (Fig 2a) and highest peak of the first shot (Fig 2b) are shown below. Figure 2a illustrates the unusually extreme consistency of the coupled bullet end-cap exit and jet event, between all 5 shots during the test. Note the consistency in both amplitude and wave shape which are captured accurately due to the sample rate and raw, unfiltered data stream from PEW-SOFT. Figure 2b shows points later in time during Shot 1 as the maximum sound pressure occurs from the primary combustion event. Note that the total timescale in Figure 2a is 0.17 milliseconds (170 microseconds) and the total timescale in Figure 2b is only 0.1 milliseconds (100 microseconds). PEW-SOFT provides a sampling point every microsecond and the individual data points are shown in Figure 2b to illustrate this.
Fig 2a. CGS Hyperion K Bolt Action Rifle Muzzle Sound Pressure Early-Time Peaks, 24-OCT-2020
Fig 2b.CGS Hyperion K Bolt Action Rifle Muzzle Sound Pressure Shot 1 Peak, 24-OCT-2020
The primary sound signature pressure histories for all 5 shots with the Hyperion K are shown in Figure 3a. The sound signatures of Shot 1 and Shot 2 are shown in Figure 3b, in the regions of peak sound pressure. Note the same peak events are labeled for Shot 1 that were previously labeled in Figure 1. The real sound impulse (momentum transfer potential) histories from the same 5-shot test are shown in Figure 4a. In Figure 4b, a shorter timescale is shown comparing the impulse of Shot 1 to that of Shot 2 and Shot 3.
Fig 3a. CGS Hyperion K Bolt Action Rifle Muzzle Sound Pressure Signature, 24-OCT-2020
Fig 3b. CGS Hyperion K Bolt Action Rifle Muzzle Sound Pressure Signature, Short Time Window, 24-OCT-2020
Figure 4a. CGS Hyperion K Bolt Action Rifle Muzzle Sound Impulse Signature, 24-OCT-2020
Figure 4b. CGS Hyperion K Bolt Action Rifle Muzzle Sound Impulse Signature, Short Time Window, 24-OCT-2020
The CGS Hyperion K does not exhibit perceptible first round pop (FRP). Measurably, there is FRP in the pressure regime wave shapes (Fig 3b), and magnitude of the waveforms in the impulse regime (Fig 4b). However, similar to the full size Hyperion, the human perception of the FRP phenomenon is not significant. PEW Science inner ear modeling indicates a bystander may not be able to perceive a difference in signature after the first shot is fired. This phenomenon was noted in the Sound Signature Review of the Thunder Beast ULTRA 9, and Review of the full size CGS Hyperion, albeit with significant differences in wave shape and timing.
PEW Science Note 1: The masking of FRP by low backpressure silencers is typical; the flow rate of such silencers is high enough that all shots are often perceived as significantly loud by the shooter and bystanders. The Hyperion K, however, is not typical. The FRP performance of the Hyperion K and higher sound suppression performance, combined with its flow rate, is anomalous; it is highly atypical for a silencer with such low back pressure to exhibit this level of sound suppression, and it is postulated that the lack of perceptible FRP in the supersonic flow regime may be somewhat related to this high early-time flow rate. This phenomenon requires further study and is the subject of future PEW Science research. See Note 2 for additional considerations.
PEW Science Note 2: The shapes of the impulse waveforms at the muzzle (Fig 4a) display clear characteristics indicative of high flow rate (low back pressure). The rise time to peak impulse is very short, and is identical to that measured with the Dead Air Sandman-K in Sound Signature Review 6.15. However, the Hyperion K possesses an impulse wave shape that is lower magnitude with longer decay time than that of the Sandman-K. This supports the hypothesis that the Hyperion K exhibits low back pressure but is still able to delay gas flow later in time, resulting in the best balance of suppression and back pressure observed by PEW Science, to date. More detailed and direct comparisons are provided in Section 6.27.2 of this review.
As typically indicated, 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. Ammunition consistency can play a role in the determination of FRP, however, the close examination of measured pressure and impulse waveforms typically excludes ammunition from the possible factors influencing true FRP, due to the relative consistency of most high quality factory ammunition. It is important to note, again, that PEW Science data indicates FRP may not be of practical concern for bystanders when using the Hyperion K in the supersonic flow regime.
6.28.1.2 SOUND SIGNATURES AT SHOOTER’S EAR
Real sound pressure histories from the same 5-shot test of the CGS Hyperion K suppressor acquired with PEW-SOFT at the shooter’s ear are shown below. Again, 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 primary sound signature pressure histories at the ear for all 5 shots are shown in Figure 5. The primary sound signature history is shown on the left. A zoomed-in timescale is displayed on the right, in the region of peak sound pressure for Shot 1 and Shot 2. The real sound impulse (momentum transfer potential) histories at the ear from the same 5-shot test are shown in Figure 6. Again, full and short timescales are shown.
Figure 5a. CGS Hyperion K Bolt Action Rifle Ear Sound Pressure Signature, 24-OCT-2020
Figure 5b. CGS Hyperion K Bolt Action Rifle Ear Sound Pressure Signature, Short Time Window, 24-OCT-2020
Figure 6a. CGS Hyperion K Bolt Action Rifle Ear Sound Impulse Signature, 24-OCT-2020
Figure 6b. CGS Hyperion K Bolt Action Rifle Ear Sound Impulse Signature, Short Time Window, 24-OCT-2020
When examining the impulse waveforms measured at the shooter’s ear with the Hyperion K, it exhibits similar FRP indicators as it did at the muzzle (rise time and amplitude in Fig 6b), but once again, human inner ear modeling indicates that the FRP may not be significantly perceptible. FRP is predicted to be difficult to perceive by the shooter. It is interesting to note that the same fast impulse rise-time noted in the at-ear waveforms in the member version of the Sandman-K review is again noted in the impulse waveforms measured at the ear with the Hyperion K in Figure 6a (a typical parametric waveform indicator of low silencer back pressure). But, as was the case at the muzzle, the amplitude of the Hyperion K impulse at the ear is significantly lower than that of the Sandman-K, and the decay time is longer. The Hyperion K is significantly quieter at the ear.
The overall sound signature measured at the shooter’s ear possesses significantly less amplitude in both the pressure and impulse regimes than the signature measured at the muzzle (refer to Table 1). Furthermore, the application of both pressure and impulse at the shooter’s ear is delayed when compared to the pressure and impulse at the weapon muzzle. The combination of varying amplitude and rise time to peak amplitude influences the response of the human ear.
The Hyperion K is a louder silencer than the full size Hyperion but exhibits much higher flow rate in a much smaller design envelope. The internal design structure of they Hyperion K is postulated to significantly influence the decay time shown in Figure 6a; this is currently a parameter of significant interest in back pressure and suppression performance balance research by PEW Science.
6.28.2 Relative Back Pressure and Suppression Rating Comparison (.30 Rifle Silencers)
PEW Science Research Note: As of February 2021, back pressure characterization has undergone refinement and Rev.2 of the Back Pressure Metric has been developed. Research is ongoing. Please see back pressure research updates starting with Sound Signature Review 6.36.
The Hyperion K suppressor is intended to possess high sound suppression performance for its size, with low back pressure. PEW Science is currently conducting silencer back pressure research. Figure 7 shows preliminary relative supersonic suppression and back pressure comparisons between selected 7.62mm (30 caliber) rifle silencers shown in public PEW Science Sound Signature Reviews, as of the date of this review publication. The results shown in Figure 7 are calculated from real test data acquired with PEW-SOFT. Please note the following:
The time to reach peak gas momentum transfer potential, as measured 1.0 m left of the weapon muzzle, is the objective quantity used to generate the back pressure data summary.
The waveform characteristics of unsuppressed shots with the same ammunition used in the respective tests are used in the calculations and the unsuppressed relative back pressure and Suppression Rating quantities are shown.
The first shot from each silencer test is omitted from the back pressure computations due to internal gas environment characteristics within the silencer (FRP) that influence peak impulse amplitude, wave-shape, and timing. All unsuppressed shots are included.
Back Pressure Data is normalized to the silencer with the highest back pressure shown, which is the CGS Helios QD with its solid endcap from Sound Signature Review 6.13.
Figure 7. Back Pressure And Suppression Rating Comparisons Of .308 Rifle Silencers Using PEW-SOFT Data
From the above data, it can be concluded that the Hyperion K suppressor may produce back pressure that is significantly lower than silencers of comparable size and Suppression Rating. The reason for this decreased back pressure is most likely the significant early-time flow rate discussed in Section 6.28.1.1; the relatively high Suppression Rating is postulated to result from the late-time flow rate decrease, which allows the Hyperion K to combine low back pressure with sound suppression in a way that has never before been observed by PEW Science.
As shown in Figure 7, the Hyperion K exhibits similar back pressure to the Sandman-K, but is in a much higher Suppression Rating class. It is interesting to note that the Hyperion K is actually quieter than the Rugged Radiant, Q Trash Panda, and Sandman-S in the supersonic flow regime, but with much lower back pressure than all of those silencers. The Hyperion K actually competes in sound suppression with another silencer back pressure and suppression “outlier” in the PEW Science dataset; the Surefire SOCOM762-RC2 from Sound Signature Review 6.26. The Hyperion K is not as quiet as the SOCOM762-RC2, but its Suppression Rating is not significantly lower. The weight, length, and back pressure of the Hyperion K are lower, however, indicating the Hyperion K is an even more extreme outlier in performance parameters observed, to date.
It is important to note that the back pressure potential of silencers, in general, may not be significant in practical use. For example, some silencers are intended for use on bolt-action rifles in which back pressure should not be of practical concern with proper silencer mount sealing.
The influence of back pressure characteristics on a silencer’s performance on semi-automatic and automatic hosts may depend on the respective metric magnitudes; this is the subject of future PEW Science research. For example, it is postulated that there is a threshold back pressure metric below which adequate semi-automatic weapon function on typical 5.56x45mm host weapons may be achieved. Whether that threshold is 0.48 in Figure 7 (Rugged Razor) or 0.15 (Hyperion K), for example, will depend on the particular host weapon configuration. Recent PEW Science research at the time of this review publication indicates that a back pressure metric threshold is probable for gas operated 5.56x45mm small arms. Current research indicates that host weapon component dynamics (AR15 platform bolt carrier, buffer mass, and gas port size) can significantly influence suppressed weapon system performance. Further research is ongoing.
PEW Science note: The relative back pressure percentages described in this section are only valid when examining the data normalized to the CGS Helios QD with solid endcap in Figure 7. PEW Science back pressure research is ongoing. Membership contributions to PEW Science help fund such research.
The CGS Hyperion K is quieter than many compact to mid-size 30 caliber centerfire rifle silencers shown in public PEW Science supersonic testing, to date, by a significant margin. It is not as quiet as the CGS Helios QD with solid endcap, but it has a somewhat different internal design and this tested iteration is titanium (the Helios is Inconel and heavier). The Hyperion K exhibits significantly low back pressure that is on par with that of the Helios QD with vented endcap. Configuring the Hyperion K with a vented endcap is also possible, and further reduces its back pressure. In-depth comparative analysis of the Hyperion K and its competitors is the subject of future PEW Science research.
6.28.3 Review Summary: CGS Hyperion K on a Savage Model 10 .308 with 20-in Barrel
When paired with the Savage M10 20” .308 and fired with Federal XM80C, the CGS Hyperion K with thread adapter achieved a Suppression Rating™ of 37.3 in PEW Science testing.
PEW Science Subjective Opinion:
The CGS Hyperion K is a compact 30 caliber rifle silencer that possesses good sound signature suppression performance with very low back pressure. The silencer has little to no perceptible first round pop with supersonic 7.62x51mm ammunition and also balances sound signature suppression with backpressure significantly better than any rifle silencer shown in PEW Science Sound Signature Reviews in the supersonic flow regime, to date. The silencer, as tested with the thread adapter, has a total system weight of 12 ounces, making it one of the lightest .30 silencer systems on the market. Most rifle barrels may not need the thread adapter, lowering the system weight even further to 10.4 ounces.
To put the size, weight, and performance of the Hyperion K in perspective, the extremely efficient SilencerCo Omega 300 has a total system weight of 18.4 ounces and the Hyperion K almost achieves the same level of sound signature performance at 65% of the weight and with 19% of the backpressure of the Omega 300. This is significant. When comparing the Hyperion K to a “specialized low backpressure silencer” such as the Dead Air Sandman-K, the Hyperion K is 71% of the weight with the same low backpressure, with the addition of a drastic increase in sound signature performance. Without the 1.6 ounce thread adapter, the Hyperion K is only 62% of the weight of the Sandman-K. The Hyperion K possesses technology that may currently be considered the definitive solution to balance low backpressure with useable supersonic suppression for centerfire rifles. There is no silencer tested by PEW Science, to date, that comes close to balancing such low backpressure with supersonic sound suppression, as this silencer. The Hyperion K is lighter and smaller than the Dead Air Sandman-S and Q Trash Panda, but quieter with supersonic 7.62x51mm ammunition, and has lower backpressure.
The Hyperion K, though much smaller than the full size Hyperion, still exhibits advanced sound signature suppression. The first round pop observed in the test results and analytical inner ear modeling with 7.62x51mm supersonic ammunition is negligible. This would not typically be of significant note, as most extremely low backpressure silencers possess very low FRP (due to being very loud). However, because the sound signature suppression performance of the Hyperion K rivals that of the Omega 300, the lack of supersonic flow regime FRP is yet another significant performance outlier.
The internal baffle geometry of the Hyperion K is patented and present in all CGS rifle silencers. 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. PEW Science has not yet tested the Hyperion K in the vented configuration as of the date of this review publication. Note that the Hyperion K is similar to the Helios QD, but they are different internally, in some regards, resulting in different performance. The Hyperion K is more similar to the Helios DT. PEW Science has tested the Helios DT with its vented endcap and back pressure is even further reduced.
Like the full size Hyperion, 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 actually 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 the Hyperion and Hyperion K exhibit higher durability not typically characteristic of titanium silencers.
As alluded to above, PEW Science has evaluated and characterized the sound signature of the Helios DT, which is extremely similar to the Hyperion K, on a short barrel semi-automatic 5.56mm weapon system. Those test results are forthcoming.
In this review, the Hyperion K performance metrics depend upon suppressing a supersonic centerfire rifle cartridge; no easy task. PEW Science encourages the reader to remain vigilant with regard to all supersonic centerfire rifle suppression claims. The gas volume and combustion products created by the firing of the supersonic .308WIN cartridge are significant; the measured pressure and impulse magnitudes, and their durations, illustrate this fact.
The hearing damage potential of supersonic centerfire rifle use is significant. PEW Science encourages the reader to consider the Suppression Rating when deciding on an appropriate silencer and host weapon combination for their desired use.
