X-43A Hypersonic vehicle technology development

Abstract

NASA recently completed two major programs in hypersonics: Hyper-X, with the record-breaking flights of the X-43A, and the next generation launch technology (NGLT) program. The X-43A flights, the culmination of the Hyper-X program, were the first-ever examples of a scramjet engine propelling a hypersonic vehicle and provided unique, convincing, detailed flight data required to validate the design tools needed for design and development of future operational hypersonic airbreathing vehicles. Concurrent with Hyper-X, NASA's NGLT program focused on technologies needed for future revolutionary launch vehicles. The NGLT was “competed” by NASA in response to the President's redirection of the agency to space exploration, after making significant progress towards maturing technologies required to enable airbreathing hypersonic launch vehicles. NGLT quantified the benefits, identified technology needs, developed airframe and propulsion technology, chartered a broad University base, and developed detailed plans to mature and validate hypersonic airbreathing technology for space access. NASA is currently in the process of defining plans for a new hypersonic technology program. Details of that plan are not currently available. This paper highlights results from the successful Mach 7 and 10 flights of the X-43A, and the current state of hypersonic technology.