Pentagon developing supersonic shape-shifting assassin
With a shift of its wing, Switchblade goes from long-range endurance flyer to Mach-speed assassin.
SWITCHBLADE FACTS:
Objective: To function efficiently as both an endurance aircraft and as a supersonic airplane by changing its shape midflight.
Time frame: Design by 2007; one-fifth-scale technology demonstration vehicle by 2010; ready for service as early as 2020.
Wingspan: 200 feet
Range: 5,000 nautical miles
Max. altitude: 60,000 feet
Max. speed: Mach 2
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June 25, 2006 at 10:20 am