Boeing X-51
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The Air Force Research Laboratory's X-51 Scramjet-Waverider is being built by Pratt & Whitney and Boeing. This scramjet demonstrator is to fly by 2009 at target speeds close to Mach 7 (around 8,050 km/h). Ground tests of the X-51A began in late 2006. The X-51A is a descendant of earlier efforts including the Advanced Rapid Response Missile Demonstrator and the liquid hydrocarbon-fuelled scramjet engine developed under the USAF’s HyTech program.
During the flight demonstrations, a B-52 will carry the vehicle to an altitude of about 35,000 feet and then release it. Initially propelled by an ATACMS solid rocket booster, the scramjet will take over at approximately Mach 4.5, and the vehicle will accelerate to a flight speed near Mach 7.
A preliminary version of the X-51, the "Ground Demonstrator Engine No. 2", completed wind tunnel tests at the Langley Research Center on July 27th, 2006. In April of 2007 an entire flight was simulated. The result was positive. Testing will continue until 2008.
Two ground test engines will be built. In 2009 a total of 4 testflights are scheduled.
| length | m |
| width | m |
| engine | X-1 scramjet uses JP-7 jetfuel |
[edit] References
[edit] See also
Related development: Boeing X-43
Comparable aircraft:
[edit] External links
- Scramjet demonstrator receives X-Plane designation
- Completes Mach 5 Testing Of Hypersonic Propulsion System
- Hypersonic Cruise Missile: America's New Global Strike Weapon
- Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne Scramjet Excels in USAF Tests
- Successful Design Review and Engine Test Bring Boeing X-51A Closer to Flight
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