Hmm... Yeah, I heard of it about a year ago or so.
Oops... Sorry for that, I just remember I only found
Yes, this is correct. The X-43A is just a testbed for the scramjet principle. But one of the reasons we are interested in proving that scramjets can work is because they would make an excellent launch vehicle. As you may already know, the big problem of getting into orbit is not the power required to get up to the right altitude, but to achieve sufficient speed. A hypersoar vehicle could carry payloads to an altitude where atmospheric resistence is no longer a factor, and accelerate to near-orbital volocities, all under the thrust of an air-breathing engine. From there, a small booster rocket released form the cargo bay could put payloads into orbit at a fraction of current cost. Or, a version of the vehicle that has some oxydiser carried on board could continue to run the engines outside the atmosohere and propell the entire vehicle into orbit. This version would be the "shuttle replacement", and would be much cheaper than any current method of launching people into space.
It's applications to the space program I've already mentioned, but it would have advantages as a passenger liner as well. New York to LA in 45 minutes, for example. London to Tokyo in 90. Not many comforts; the ride will be mostly, "Sit down, strap in, shut up and hang on!" and "No, there won't be a movie; no, we won't serve you drinks; do not unfasten your safety belt, you should have gone before we took off".
The "Rebirth of the Hypersoar Program" is a scientific research initiative aimed at reviving and advancing the development of the hypersonic flight technology known as Hypersoar. This program involves a multidisciplinary approach, combining expertise in aerospace engineering, materials science, and propulsion systems.
Hypersoar is a hypersonic flight concept that combines the speed of a rocket with the maneuverability of an aircraft. It uses a unique air-breathing propulsion system, which allows it to travel at extremely high speeds (Mach 5 and above) while still being able to take off and land like a conventional aircraft. This sets it apart from other hypersonic flight technologies, such as scramjets, which require a high-altitude launch and cannot take off or land on a runway.
The "Rebirth of the Hypersoar Program" is important because it has the potential to revolutionize air travel and space exploration. Hypersoar technology could significantly reduce travel time for long-distance flights and enable faster and more efficient access to space. It also has military applications, such as rapid strike capabilities and reconnaissance missions.
The main challenges in developing Hypersoar technology are related to materials, propulsion, and aerodynamics. Hypersoar vehicles experience extreme temperatures and pressures during flight, which require advanced materials that can withstand these conditions. The development of a reliable and efficient air-breathing propulsion system is also crucial. Additionally, the complex aerodynamics of Hypersoar vehicles require sophisticated design and testing methods.
The "Rebirth of the Hypersoar Program" is still in its early stages, but significant progress has been made in the past few years. Researchers have conducted successful ground and wind tunnel tests, as well as computer simulations, to validate the feasibility of the Hypersoar concept. In addition, new materials and propulsion technologies have been developed that could potentially be used in Hypersoar vehicles. However, there is still a long way to go before a fully functional Hypersoar vehicle can be developed and tested.