Unmanned, hypersonic aircraft flies 3,500mph
(NEWSER) - The Air Force let loose with an unmanned, experimental hypersonic jet yesterday, and watched it shatter all manner of record. The X-51 WaveRider tore across the Pacific at 3,500 mph, using a hypersonic engine that runs on air and uses virtually no moving parts. It stayed airborne for 200 seconds before falling into the ocean, making it the most successful hypersonic flight ever, the LA Times reports; every other attempt has lasted 10 seconds or less. More»
