Posted on 03/15/2016 6:05:14 PM PDT by Mariner
Lockheed Martin revealed on Tuesday it is on the brink of a technological breakthrough that could lead to the US developing military aircraft that can fly six times the speed of sound.
Marillyn Hewson, Lockheed’s chief executive, outlined the proposed hypersonic aircraft as she also disclosed the company was working on a laser weapon that could be used on the battlefield.
At the company’s annual media day, Ms Hewson expressed optimism about future US military budgets following years of cutbacks.
She said that lawmakers seemed set to pass an increase in the budget for 2016-17.
However, her most eye-catching remarks were about innovation. She said a series of technological advances were on the verge of making possible weapons systems that had been mooted for years but never come to fruition.
A hypersonic aircraft would give US military planners a significant advantage in reaching targets before opponents had time to react.
(Excerpt) Read more at ft.com ...
Let's get out there and vote for these new tools.
We're going to need them.
It’s great until you hit a bird.
Considering the shock wave that must precede something traveling that fast, I would doubt that a bird would ever collide with such a craft or missile.
At six times the speed of sound, you could fly from New York to Los Angeles in about 32 minutes (if my math is right).
If these weapons are in the hands of America hating politicians (0bama. Hillary, Bernie) how exactly does it help us. It would be better if there was a software defeat for when democRATs are in control.
When they tell you about it they are WAY past that point.
In the 1960s fast recon planes mattered. Now mach 6 in the atmosphere gives you no important advantage over a satellite. And the satellite doesn’t have to even think about airspace.
So long as the Reagan philosophy is adhered to. That is, “We have a strong military so that we will not have a war.”
I wonder how that compares to the Aurora.
I still think they have it.
We’re talking about Mach 6 WEAPONS, NOT binoculars!!
“Considering the shock wave that must precede something traveling that fast, I would doubt that a bird would ever collide with such a craft “
Supersonic means ahead of the shockwave. It can and will get there long before the shockwave. Of course, birds wont be at 80,000 or 90,000 feet
“We’re talking about Mach 6 WEAPONS, NOT binoculars!!”
Conventional guided warhead on an ICBM.
Ping for later
There are no birds at 50,000ft.
When I was a kid, we were told the US would have 20 minutes warning after the soviet Nukes blasted off. I’m curious how short the time is now.
Open source: Look up "Waverider" and Aerojet Rocketdyne.
Stupid Lockheed, they should have waited til January, now all our enemies will have the technology too. Thank you obama.
These will be strike aircraft and faster than any AA missile today.
None that you want to run into, that is...
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