Mach 10 Free Flight of Hypersonic X-43A Slated for November

Published: Oct 14, 2004
Source: www.nasa.gov



NASA aeronautics researchers are looking to conduct the final research flight of the hypersonic X-43A technology demonstration aircraft in early to mid-November, following review of data collected during a "captive carry" dress rehearsal mission in late September.

The final flight of the small X-43A research aircraft is targeted to sustain a speed of up to Mach 10, or 10 times the speed of sound (about 7,000 mph), powered by a revolutionary airframe-integrated supersonic-combustion ramjet or "scramjet" engine. This is a very high-risk mission, but if successful, the flight will set a new speed record for an aircraft powered by an air-breathing engine.continue..