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NASA Tests X-43A

Posted by michael on Saturday March 27, 2004 @09:42AM from the need-for-speed dept.

An anonymous reader writes "NASA TV has live coverage of the launch of the X-43A scram jet flight. Hopes are that the unmanned vehicle will reach speeds in excess of mach 7-10. The last flight a few years ago failed." Stephen Watts sends this link for X-43A background information.

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Re:Not that fast by Drathus · 2004-03-27 10:26 · Score: 5, Informative

> Mach 5 is kinda meh. X15-A2 did mach 6.8 with pilot, in the 1960's

Yes, it did. However the scram jet is a significant improvement just in terms of fuel savings. Not having to carry the oxygen itself and having the system work means more then the final speed it reached.