posted on Mar, 1 2007 @ 08:42 AM
Nice find Canada!
From my understanding it's not an x-43B it's a test scramjet engine firing designed for use in the X-51 Prompt Global Strike waveriding missile.
popular mechanics article
The first stages of Prompt global strike plan to use Trident missiles fitted with conventional warheads. These warheads would probably use the
tungsten 'rods from god' technology currently in development. As far as I am concerned this is insane, a trident is a trident and enemy radar will
not be able to identify it's payload. They launch a return nuclear strike before the conventional weapon lands and it's all over! Typical example of
idiotic, closed minded thinking on Rumsfelds part! OT rant over.
The test in the OP is a wind tunnel firing of the scramjet engine they may use in a B-52 launched missile. I would imagine the missile would use an
SRB to boost to hypersonic speeds before firing the scramjet.
Cheers
Rob