Slashdot Mirror
India Plans Hypersonic Space Plane by 2007
MaximusTheGreat writes "While India has announced plans for a hypersonic plane (speeds greater than mach 5) before, this is the first time a firm date for test of an unmanned plane has been given. Final version of this plane called Aerobic Vehicle for Hypersonic Aerospace Transportation (AVATAR) is envisaged to deliver a 500 kg to 1,000 kg payload to low earth orbit. It will reduce the cost of space travel to a fraction to what it is today, by being completely reusable. Also, by allowing hypersonic speeds, it would for example reduce the travel time from Sydney, Australia to New York to less than 3 hrs. The crucial technology in the development of Hypersonic planes is supersonic combustion ramjet (scramjet). India has already demonstrated the basic technology of ramjets by the development of world's fastest cruise missile Brahmos which outspeeds famous US Tomahawk by three times, and by ground tests of scramjets. US, Australia and Japan are also pursuing similar programs."
Hypersonic travel requires an engine that can go all the way up to phal strength, as well as vindaloo and tindaloo. Let's hope the world supply of cayenne peppers is strong. And to cool down on re-entry, there had better be plenty of naan bread. Maybe the space shuttle could learn a few lessons? Replace those silica tiles with finest naan and some raita.
I don't like nukes, but I like them even less in the hands of complete nutcases (Kim Il Jong) or governments that are not western democracies preferably with judeo-christian roots (Pakistan, India, for instance).
So the Hindu's have succeeded in naming the project Avatar. I'm sure that the Muslims in India have a lot to say about that.
LK
"Hi. This is my friend, Jack Shit, and you don't know him." - Lord Kano
Can you name the first time India started a war? It would really help if you read some history on what happened in '47, '65 and '71. Here are some starters:
It isn't going to happen. About every 10 years one of these third world countries will come out and annouce something grand and it will simply disappear. Hell, last time it was the Kenyan space program. Didn't happen.
Every now and then one will supprise you and try something. China did great with that manned mission but I have yet to see anything out of it.
In other words I'll believe it when I see it. India would be better spending the money on education, food, and enforcing laws.
Supporting World Peace Through Nuclear Pacification