High-Speed Air Vehicles Designed for Rapid Global Reach
Posted on: Jan. 31st, 2006 - www.defencetalk.comKIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE: For an aircraft to achieve hypersonic speeds, ranging from 6,000 to 15,000 mph (Mach 9 to Mach 22), and reach altitudes between 100,000 to 150,000 feet, it needs an airframe structure designed to survive intense heat and pressure.
Such technology is in development by scientists and engineers with the Falcon hypersonic technology vehicle, or HTV, program.
Started in 2003, the joint Air Force and Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency endeavor consists of two objectives: to develop hypersonic technology for a glided or powered system and advance small, low-cost and responsive launch vehicles.
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