The end of the end is in sight ... surely this will be the end of modern warfare
as soon as they get it to work that is, but this they will do and then it will be the end.
http://fly.historicwings.com/2012/07...ht-into-space/
Quote:
Published July 16, 2012
News Flash: The USAF and NASA have announced an air-launched, hypersonic research aircraft capable of flying from the lower atmosphere into space (achieving altitudes above 100 kilometers) and returning for a landing on a normal runway. The aircraft is air-launched and utilizes rockets to accelerate to atmospheric speeds of over 3,500 mph (and as high as Mach 6.7).
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Air Force's WaveRider hits 3,500 mph in test
http://www.kansas.com/2010/05/27/133...hits-3500.html
Quote:
Since the 1960s, the Air Force has been flirting with hypersonic technology, which can propel vehicles at a velocity that cannot be achieved from traditional turbine-powered jet engines.
But the technology has been exceedingly difficult to perfect. Previous attempts produced very limited results including flights that lasted only a few seconds, said Peter Wilson, senior defense analyst with Rand Corp.
With the technology, the military could strike anywhere on the planet within an hour or less, said John Pike, director of Globalsecurity.org, a website for military policy research.
"The WaveRider represents a major change that could have big implications on today's weapon systems," he said. "It can travel great distances at remarkable speeds, showing potential for a long-range cruise missile."
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