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How We Might Have Scramjets Sooner than Expected

loralai writes "Recent breakthroughs in scramjet engines could mean two-hour flights from New York to Tokyo. This technology, decades in the making, could redefine our understanding of air travel and military encounters. 'To put things in context, the world's fastest jet, the Air Force's SR-71 Blackbird spy plane, set a speed record of Mach 3.3 in 1990 when it flew from Los Angeles to Washington, D.C., in just over an hour. That's about the limit for jet engines; the fastest fighter planes barely crack Mach 1.6. Scramjets, on the other hand, can theoretically fly as fast as Mach 15--nearly 10,000 mph.'"

3 of 674 comments (clear)

  1. 2 hours flight time, 10 hours airport time by AuMatar · · Score: 5, Funny

    Don't worry, between the security line, customs, delays, and waiting on the tarmac, you'll still be garunteed at least 10 hours at the airport for any trip.

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    I still have more fans than freaks. WTF is wrong with you people?
  2. Re:Wrong, wrong, wrong by Sciros · · Score: 5, Funny

    Well, I said fact-checking was *your* friend. Not mine. :P

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    I like basketball!!1!
  3. Re:SR-71 Blackbird by Garridan · · Score: 5, Funny

    a) You met a total nutjob who claimed to be a SR-71 pilot, and you believed him?

    b) Of course that's who the government hires to fly their uber-secret missions. What kind of idiot would believe a total nutjob?