Boeing X-51A (hypersonic Aircraft)

Boeing X-51A

Project Status: Testing (Open-Secret/Limited public knowledge)

Manufacturer: Boeing/USAF/NASA

Origin: United States

Role: Used for future High Speed Strike Weapon Tech applications/Hyper-sonic Transport

Project Cost: Classified ($300M rumored)

Specifications

General Characteristics

• Crew: none
• Length: 25 ft (7.62 m)
• Weight: 4000 lb (1,814 kg)

Performance

• Max Speed: >3,900 miles/Hour (>6,200 km/h)
• Power Plant:  Engine SJX61-2 (Mach 5-6), Hydrogen Chamber
• Service Ceiling: 70,000 ft (21,300 m)

Summary

The following is the link providing in detail of the 

project :http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boeing_X-51

The X-51A is an unmanned scram-jet demonstration aircraft for hyper-sonic flight testing. the airforce has been in development of a hyper-sonic propulsion device since the 1990's. Only recently it has reached the stage of flight testing due to advancement in technology. First successful flight was in 26th May 2010. On 1st May 2013 the aircraft flew for 300 sec in hyper-sonic speed. The X-51A uses shockwaves to add lift and speed. The technology will be used to provide applications in High Speed Missiles, Hyper-sonic Travel & Space Travel.

Gallery 

X-51A , May 2010

X-51A, May 2013

Boeing's early concept designs of the X-51A