Hello, Bring-it-on,
let me first start with a little explanation about “hypersonic speed” ;
(for wikipedia =)
In aerodynamics, a hypersonic speed is one that is highly supersonic (even though the origin of the words is the same: “super” is just the Latin version of the Greek “hyper”). Since the 1970s, the term has generally been assumed to refer to speeds of Mach 5 and above.
The precise Mach number at which a craft can be said to be flying at hypersonic speed varies, since individual physical changes in the airflow (like molecular dissociation and ionization) occur at different speeds; these effects collectively become important around Mach 5. The hypersonic regime is often alternatively defined as speeds where ramjets do not produce net thrust.
well…this is new for me 😎
And about THE X-51 Waverider ; it’s a technical success, yes… (finally after many years of tryings …)
BUT… I don’t think it’ll be of significant interest in the (near) future….
from these 6 ‘serious’ hypersonic ‘ projects ;
Hypersonic aircraft
•DARPA Falcon Project
•Reaction Engines Skylon, Reaction Engines A2 (design studies)
•HyperSoar (concept)
•Waverider
•X-20 Dyna-Soar, Rockwell X-30 (cancelled)
•Avatar RLV
the X-51 is/was the only ‘serious’ one, flying hypersonic during several SECONDS !!!!
‘THUS’… i don’t believe in a “hypersonic future” :highly_amused:
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