Jan 5, 2024 · Compared to a rocket-powered vehicle like the Space Shuttle, scramjet (supersonic combustion ramjet) powered vehicles promise more airplane-like operations for increased affordability, flexibility and safety for ultra high-speed flights …

The X-43 is the fastest jet-powered aircraft on record at approximately Mach 9.6. [2] A winged booster rocket with the X-43 placed on top, called a "stack", was drop launched from a Boeing B-52 Stratofortress.

Mar 8, 2024 · In celebration of this innovative spirit, here are seven of the fastest jets in all of aviation history. 1. NASA X-43. The X-43, an experimental aircraft, holds the distinction of being not only the fastest fighter jet but the fastest aircraft …

Jan 14, 2025 · NASA’s X-43A set a speed record of Mach 9.6 in 2004, showcasing the potential of hypersonic flight with its scramjet technology. Key Points and Summary: NASA’s X-43A hypersonic research aircraft made history in 2004 by reaching Mach 9.64, or 6,363 mph, at an altitude of 110,000 feet.

The razor-like X-43A is the spitting image of the National Aerospace Plane, but less than a tenth the original size. A 1995 NASA competition made it next in the line of experimental X-planes.

Jun 5, 2013 · NASA’s high-risk, high-payoff Hyper-X Program is ready to attempt its greatest challenge yet – flying a “scramjet”-powered X-43A research vehicle at nearly 10 times the speed of sound. Officials have set Nov. 15 or 16 for the flight, which will take place in restricted U.S. Naval airspace over the Pacific Ocean northwest of Los Angeles.

Jun 5, 2013 · 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.

Nov 16, 2004 · The X-43A was a small experimental research aircraft designed to flight-demonstrate the technology of airframe-integrated supersonic ramjet or "scramjet" propulsion at hypersonic speeds above Mach 5, or five times the speed of sound. Its scramjet engine is an air-breathing engine in which the airflow through the engine remains supersonic.

First flight demonstrator of X-43 Program flew at single test conditions. Accelerates from Mach 5 to Mach 7 under it’s own power. Planned reusable vehicle would fly from subsonic to hypersonic speeds in single tests. Accelerates from Mach 0.7 to Mach 7.

Aug 24, 2024 · Summary and Key Points You Need to Know: The NASA X-43 was a groundbreaking hypersonic aircraft developed under the Hyper-X program in the late 1990s. It set records, reaching speeds of Mach...