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Originally posted by Mo0se
Given this evidence I have a simple suggestion for NASA when they next test the x-43. Leave the engine on when it hits the water. Just to see what the physical demands are on the structure and engine.
Originally posted by Tigerfeet
I think that the overriding question here is WHY!!! Why fly underwater at mach, what is it about 5.5 - 7, apart from being a thrill ride, what purpose would it serve? Its a cool idea though. But governments havent got a habit of risking millions if not billions of dollars on a 'Cool Idea'. Just for fun so to speak....Although picure the scene, its the year 2305, 85 th Jack Azz Wing, Commander Burt Nobbler will attempt to fly hyper sonic scramjet..(audience laugh cos we didn't have plasma drive then)...how primitive! into the Atlantic at the 5.5 - 7 mach mark. (audience in fits), But just incase we've taken a scraping off his cheek for DNA re-assimilation just incase anything goes wrong The scary thing about this scenario is that it is more likely to happen than any government doin anything Cool.....which is a shame.
[Edited on 3-6-2004 by Tigerfeet]