Hypersonic Speed Explained: How Hypersonic Planes Work

Introduction

• Authors: Kevin Bonsor & Sascha Bos
• Published: Sep 27, 2023
• Source: HowStuffWorks

What Is Hypersonic Speed?

• Hypersonic speed is defined as speeds of Mach 5 or above.
• Mach number is named after physicist Ernst Mach.
• Mach 5 is approximately 3,800 miles per hour (6,116 km/h).

Hypersonic Jet Planes

• NASA's X-43A: An experimental space plane.
  • Set a speed record of Mach 10 on November 16, 2004.
  • Powered by a scramjet engine, which does not require onboard oxygen.
  • Utilizes atmospheric oxygen, reducing weight and potentially lowering costs for space travel.

Living on Air: The Scramjet Engine

• Scramjet engines scoop up oxygen from the atmosphere.
• Simple design with no moving parts.
• The vehicle itself contributes to the engine system: front acts as intake, aft as the nozzle.
• Combustion occurs only at supersonic speeds due to the aerodynamics compressing air naturally.
• Hydrogen fuel is injected into the compressed air stream for thrust.

Taking Flight with Scramjet Technology

• Scramjet-powered aircrafts need rocket boost to achieve initial speed.
• Flight Process:
  1. X-43A is attached to a Pegasus booster rocket.
  2. Carried to 20,000 feet by a B-52 aircraft.
  3. Booster accelerates to Mach 5 at 100,000 feet.
  4. X-43A separates and flies under its own power.

Hypersonic Military Technology

• Hypersonic technology is prevalent in military applications.
• Hypersonic Weapons:
  • Hypersonic Glide Vehicles (HGV) and Hypersonic Cruise Missiles (HCM).
  • HGVs glide towards targets post-launch, HCMs use continuous engine power.
• Military Tests:
  • DARPA's Falcon HTV-2 reached Mach 22.
  • U.S. Army's Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon tested successfully.

Further Reading

• Related Articles: Space Shuttle, Moon Quiz, Mars Quiz, Astronaut Quiz.
• External Links: NASA's X-43A page, CNN, BBC articles.

Conclusion

Hypersonic technology, especially in military applications, is advancing rapidly. Civilian use is still developing, but the potential for cost-effective space travel is promising with scramjet technology.