Scramjets have to get past Mach 10 to be interesting

Space/Science » in reply to There's a good article in the Nov 1, 2004 issue of Aviation Week...

Gary — 11/12/2004 12:31:37 AM (archived)

If the X-43 flames out below Mach 10 and no one can improve upon the technology then I find it hard to believe that scramjets are a viable alternative to ordinary rocket motors. Scramjets carry lots of excess baggage with them, e.g. turbojet motors to Mach 6, extra thermal protection, low density hydrogen fuel, etc. However if the X-43 or Alan Paull can get scramjets significantly past Mach 10 then scramjets **might** be our ticket to cheap LEO access. Let's cross our fingers and hope for the best.

Gary

The whole thread (6 posts)

NASA to attempt Mach 10 X-43A flight next week - Larry J - 11/10/2004 5:04:35 PM
- This will be a very interesting test - Gary - 11/11/2004 5:08:45 AM
  - There's a good article in the Nov 1, 2004 issue of Aviation Week... - Larry J - 11/11/2004 2:48:41 PM
    - Scramjets have to get past Mach 10 to be interesting - Gary - 11/12/2004 12:31:37 AM
      - re: Scramjets have to get past Mach 10 to be interesting - Larry J - 11/12/2004 4:36:20 PM
        
        re: Scramjets have to get past Mach 10 to be interesting - Nick Hoffman - 11/13/2004 1:40:12 AM

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