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USAF Scramjet Hits Mach 6, Sets Record

Posted by CmdrTaco on from the get-where-yer-going dept.

s122604 writes "The [X-51A Waverider]'s scramjet engine accelerated the vehicle to Mach 6, and it flew autonomously for 200 seconds before losing acceleration. At that point the test was terminated. The Air Force said the previous record for a hypersonic scramjet burn was 12 seconds. Joe Vogel, Boeing's director of hypersonics, said, 'This is a new world record and sets the foundation for several hypersonic applications, including access to space, reconnaissance, strike, global reach and commercial transportation.'"

4 of 326 comments (clear)

  1. I really don't have anything else to say... by f3rret · · Score: 0, Offtopic

    I want one. Why? No reason other than the fact these sorts of things are pretty damn cool, even if they still kinda suck.

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    Admit nothing. Deny Everything. Make Counter-accusations.
  2. Re:Amazing by Cyberax · · Score: 1, Offtopic

    You may laugh, but I did have a lightbulb explode above me. Picking out shards of glass out of my hair is not what I'd call 'fun'.

  3. i find that hard to believe by circletimessquare · · Score: 0, Offtopic

    they would spend billions on a potentially game-altering piece of technology and just let it drop into the open ocean and forget about it?

    where any nation with a submarine can retrieve it and copy it?

    i can't believe that to be the case

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    intellectual property law is philosophically incoherent. it is your moral duty to ignore it or sabotage it
  4. Re:FYI... by mindwhip · · Score: 0, Offtopic

    Well thats what you get for buying a Russian bride who (and her family) can't speak English...

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