Abstract: In order to give full play to the waverider forebody’s pre-compression effect,a new design method for the multistage compression waverider is presented based on the osculating cone theory.A three-stage cone-derived waverider is designed by using this design method.Numerical simulation results show that three conical shock waves intersect at the bottom section as expected in design.The three-stage compression cone-derived waverider used in wind tunnel tests has an expanded upper surface.At the bottom section the waverider is connected with the inlet.The shape of the inlet lip is designed to match the contour of the three conical shock waves intersec-tion.Experimental research on the waverider forebody-inlet model is conducted.It is found that the shock wave shape is in good agreement with the numerical simulation result.Therefore,the correctness of the design method is validated.