Waverider breaks Mach 6 in test flight, page 1

The X-51 Waverider has achieved Mach 6 for 200 seconds in the most recent test flight by the USAF research wing. While myself and a few others on this board will say," we have already perfected ScramJet technology" it is still cool to see the overt programs make success like this.

reply to post by DocEmrick

---

Exactly, if these are public record, I'm guessing the US probably has the ability to reach Mach 10 - 12 with something else - pulse detonation engines etc. My thoughts on this are, what do the Russians have? I can't believe they have nothing of this sort they are working on, or have in the past - Or don't they?

[edit on 27-5-2010 by TortoiseKweek]

God damn it!

I search Hypersonic, Jet and X-51A and I couldn't find anything so i posted this.

www.abovetopsecret.com...

Mine does have a video though

Originally posted by 30_seconds

Reminds me of the movie "the right stuff". ... but didn't we already have something that went around mach 5 in the 60's?

Yep the X-15.

Fastest flights

X-15 10 fastest flights

Flight 45 9 November 1961 4,092 mph (6,585 km/h) 19.2 miles (30.9 km) Robert M. White
Flight 59 27 June 1962 4,104 mph (6,605 km/h) 23.4 miles (37.7 km) Joe Walker
Flight 64 26 July 1962 3,989 mph (6,420 km/h) 18.7 miles Neil Armstrong
Flight 86 25 June 1963 3,910 mph (6,290 km/h) 21.7 miles (34.9 km) Joe Walker
Flight 89 18 July 1963 3,925 mph (6,317 km/h) 19.8 miles (31.9 km) Robert Rushworth
Flight 97 5 December 1963 4,017 mph (6,465 km/h) 19.1 miles (30.7 km) Robert Rushworth
Flight 105 29 April 1964 3,905 mph (6,284 km/h) 19.2 miles (30.9 km) Robert Rushworth
Flight 137 22 June 1965 3,938 mph (6,338 km/h 29.5 miles (47.5 km) John B. McKay
Flight 175 18 November 1966 4,250 mph (6,840 km/h) 18.7 miles (30.1 km) Pete Knight
Flight 188 3 October 1967 4,519 mph (7,273 km/h 36.3 miles (58.4 km) Pete Knight

Source

reply to post by 30_seconds

---

Guys,
Rocketplanes have been around a loooong time, the X-15 and shuttle being the most famous.
Therefore hypersonic speeds are not unheard of, but using an air breathing engine to achieve such velocities is, (the legendary/mythological Aurora notwithstanding).
As for methodologies, Ramjet and Scramjet tech are the most researched and applied areas of mainstream research and that is why the X-51 is so important and cool.

reply to post by ErEhWoN

---

Well in another development, I have come across a recent patent for a plenum air preheater for a pulse detonation engine. Granted this is only a patent and may never see the working world, and it is a pulse det and not a scramjet, but it seems we are moving closer and closer to achieving LEO without the need for strapping large rockets to our crafts. exciting times indeed. Outside of conspiracy theories has anyone heard anything that can be shared with violating security protocols about pulse-detonation development, outside of the rumored Aurora? (BTW thank you all for your responses)

[edit on 30-5-2010 by djvexd]

reply to post by bonsaisert

---

So does mine Either way good eyes my friend, took care of ya on your thread.

Drones to the rescue ~ Repairing local economies in Ohio, coming to your State soon!
  Posted 1 days ago with 12 member flags

Amazing video of 747 lifting in place in extreme wind conditions
  Posted 1 days ago with 11 member flags

Unmarked Chinese 747 rolls through SFO (San Francisco International airport)
  Posted 13 days ago with 10 member flags

Eerie Second World War RAF fighter plane discovered in the Sahara
  Posted 17 days ago with 8 member flags

Stealth chopper based in Nevada
  Posted 16 days ago with 4 member flags

HIFiRE Scramjet Research Flight Will Advance Hypersonic Technology
  Posted 15 days ago with 2 member flags

Newest topics, updated in real-time:

Newest topics getting flags, in real-time:

Newest topics getting replies, in real-time: