The Incredible Capabilities Of The Air Force’s New Hypersonic Bomber, And Why It’s So Important – SlashGear

Thanks to their unique propulsion system, scramjet-propelled jets are touted to go at least as high as Mach 15. However, making such a machine is no easy task, because traveling faster than Mach 5 generates extreme heat due to air friction, and risks melting some core parts. Morever, merging the design of a traditional jet engine with the accelerating power of a scramjet engine is no easy feat, which is what has kept pushing the arrival of such an aircraft to the market yet. However, the benefits are massive.

Right now, hypersonic missiles are considered to be the pinnacle of defense — an area where the likes of China and Russia have also made notable advancements. The U.S. Air Force has already tested its first prototype hypersonic missile, the AGM-183A, that is rumored to go as fast as Mach 20. On the other hand, Project Mayhem, itself traveling at hypersonic speeds, will launch conventional missiles at the target without the risk of being detected or fired upon.

A hypersonic bomber would prove an extremely destructive, yet economical, option compared to Hypersonic missiles. To recall, the SR-71 flew under Mach 4, but was never caught by enemy missiles during its entire run.