Despite cancellation of the X-43C demonstrator, NASA vows to continue hypersonic research and is preparing to strengthen its links with the US Air Force's single-engine demonstrator (SED) as it makes the long-delayed second attempt to achieve the first free flight of the X-43A Mach 7 scramjet (supersonic combustion ramjet)-powered vehicle. This will take place on or shortly after 27 March, with the agency expected to make a final launch decision as Flight International closed for press.
Several modifications have been made to the test vehicle and the Pegasus booster as a result of the mishap that caused the first X-43A attempt to fail in June 2001. The X-43A and its booster will accelerate to Mach 7.3 after launch from a Boeing B-52 mothership over the Pacific test range. Separation will take place at Mach 7.07 at around 94,000ft (29,000m), with the powered hydrogen-fuelled flight phase expected to last for 10s. After the fuel is exhausted, the X-43A will crash into the sea around 830km (450nm) downrange.
The third and final X-43A, which will be used to attempt a M10 flight, is expected to be launched in the third quarter of 2004, but only if the forthcoming flight is successful.
Source: Flight International
