The Air Force tests an unmanned X-51 WaveRider off the coast near Point Mugu. Launched from a B-52 bomber, it hits 3,500 mph and travels for 200 seconds before plunging into the ocean as planned.
An aircraft resembling a large bodyboard detached from a flying B-52 bomber and then shot across the Pacific on Wednesday at more than 3,500 mph, shattering aviation records and reigniting decades-long efforts to develop a vehicle that could travel faster than a speeding bullet.
The unmanned X-51 WaveRider, powered by an air-breathing hypersonic engine that has virtually no moving parts, was launched midair off the coast near Point Mugu. It sped westward for 200 seconds before plunging into the ocean as planned. Previous attempts at hypersonic flights lasted no more than 10 seconds.
"Everything went very well for a first flight," said Charlie Brink, the X-51 program manager for the Air Force. "For things to go off the way they did, we're confident this technology has a bright future."
Since the 1960s, the Air Force has been flirting with hypersonic technology, which can propel vehicles at a velocity that cannot be achieved from traditional turbine-powered jet engines. ...
via Hypersonic aircraft shatters aviation records - latimes.com.
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Hypersonic aircraft shatters aviation records
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After "It sped westward for 200 seconds" and then "plunging into the ocean as planned" did these scientists, researchers and associates pick up after themselves? Or, did they just leave this marvelous so-much-needed new toy that will eventually relieve humankind of so many problems in the middle of the ocean?
Just asking because of the debris we always seem to leave behind everywhere we go, even in outer space. One can't be too sure with the Pacific Ocean turning into a huge garbage dump.
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