X-51A Scramjet passes test with "flying" colors

[dutchmasterflex]

Oh boy that was cheesey.



http://gizmodo.com/assets/resources/2007/06/x51-engine-firing-800.jpg

Boeing has just completed their firing tests for the stunning X-51A WaveRider Scramjet and if you want to know what hell looks like, this is it. Or at least, this is how the devil's version of George Foreman's BBQ must look like. This is the first time the scramjet engine has been tested in a full flight propulsion configuration, simulating working conditions at Mach 5 air speed. Jump as fast for more details, higher resolution image and a pic of the whole aircraft.

http://gizmodo.com/assets/resources/2007/06/x-51a.jpg

Apparently, the test has been a complete success, according to Charlie Brink, U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory X-51A program manager: "it marks the first time that a scramjet engine was tested in its simulated 'full flight' propulsion configuration -- the Boeing-designed full vehicle fore-body inlet and nozzle."

The X-51A is a concept plane that will demonstrate the scalability of scramjets, engines that achieve speeds similar to rockets but that use air from the atmosphere to burn fuel. In this kind of planes, the engine becomes part of the body of the plane itself (or viceversa). The X-51A will reach Mach 6.5 thanks to new concepts introduced in its design, high temperature materials and airframe/engine integration.

http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/hypersonic-flight/x+51as-hypersonic-engine-firing-test-looks-like-pits-of-hell-or-doom-3-scenario-266758.php

Boeing - http://www.boeing.com/news/releases/2007/q2/070601a_nr.html



It's about damn time we start using scram jets!

[nthfinity]

I guess the already years old X-43a JPL scramjet from 2002-4 doesn't count?

http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/research/X43/index.html


It actually flew to mach 9+ in nov. 2004 in the real world ;)

[dutchmasterflex]

Doesn't count for what? Never said this was the first or anything like that.

It's just good to hear that a private company has successfully done testing and that we're "that much" closer to scram jet commercial travel.

[Svensson]

^ I guess he replied to this part:

"it marks the first time that a scramjet engine was tested in its simulated 'full flight' propulsion configuration..."

Interesting to see how it develops, I've always been interested in those engines.

[silentm]

it's quite fascinating how fast these things can go.

[saadie]

this thing didnt blow up unlike the X43 test

its beautifull in my eyes ( the first pic ) :love:

[dutchmasterflex]

^ Yeah that would definitely be great for you Dani, you would finally be able to visit all the places around the world before you die ;P

[nthfinity]

this thing didnt blow up unlike the X43 test

its beautifull in my eyes ( the first pic ) :love:

The first X-43a failed, the second two were resounding successes, and actually performed both a Mach 6 test, and a Mach 9 test successfully.

There are unique things happening in a scramjet... supersonic airflow through the nozzle for one. Some people may remember the popular (mechanics or science?) issue where somebody photographed an odd contrail in the sky after hearing an odd sonic boom... what was happening was something called "pulse detonation wave augmentation" .... basically using the cross section of the pressure front of a sonic boom + the wave compressions to have a superior air/fuel mixture.... extra high pressure + high velosity... all w/out the aid of movable parts inside the engine.

scramjets are mega cool :)

[Shinigami]

It would be nice to have my business trips over in just an hour or so :)

Last trip to Chile took over 20 hours of sitting in a plane... argh