Abstract: This invention relates to a compact hypersonic modular inlet which divides captured airstream and compresses it supersonically without the need for a variable geometry diffuser. According to the invention, an innerbody is provided with a plurality of perimetrically spaced inlet ducts which are defined by a single concave sidewall. The sidewalls intersect to form a center spike and radially directed, swept back leading edges. A cowling covers the inlets and is provided with a swept back leading edge adjacent to each duct, each leading edge having a profile conforming to a normal shock front.