ATK Scramjet Is World’s Fastest Jet Aircraft
Test Flight Paves the Way for Low-Cost Launch and Time-Critical Strike Weaponry
For the second time in
eight months, ATK and NASA have set the world speed record for
air-breathing powered flight with the X-43A Supersonic Combustion Ramjet
(Scramjet)-powered aircraft. The X-43A demonstrated its unique capability
after separating from a rocket booster and flying under scramjet power at the
hypersonic speed of Mach 10 – approximately 7,000 miles per hour. Initial
results indicate that the flight achieved good data and predicted performance.
ATK built the X-43A airframe as well as the scramjet propulsion system
that powered the aircraft to its record-setting hypersonic flight. As prime
contractor, ATK teamed with Boeing, which provided vehicle design
support, airframe thermal protection systems, and flight control and
navigation systems. Future applications for hypersonic flight include
precision time-critical strike weapons with significant stand off capability
as well as prompt global reach and low-cost access to space.
In addition to building the X-43A, an ATK rocket motor powered the Orbital
Sciences Pegasus-derived launch vehicle that boosted the X-43A to its
separation altitude.
ATK is a $2.4 billion advanced weapon and space systems company employing
13,600 people in 23 states. News and information can be found on the Internet
at http://www.atk.com .
