The US Air Force will test fly the X-51A Waverider for the first time off the coast of southern California on 25 May 2010.

During the test, the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) will be released from a B-52 bomber and fly autonomously for five minutes sending data to ground stations before crash landing in the Pacific.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

It will be powered by a Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne SJY61 scramjet engine accelerating the UAV to about Mach 6.

X-51A programme manager Charlie Brink said that during the 300 second test they hoped to learn more about hypersonic flight with a practical scramjet engine than on all previous flight tests combined.

Carried on the wing of a B-52H from the Edwards Air Force Base, it will be released at about 50,000ft over the Point Mugu Naval Air Warfare Center Sea Range.

See Also:

A solid rocket booster will accelerate the X-51A to almost Mach 4.5 before being jettisoned.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.