WIRED Staff
Science

Slideshow: X-43A Jet Breaks Air Speed Record

NASA's X-43A "scramjet" now holds the jet aircraft speed record after hitting a top speed of Mach 9.6, or nearly 6,600 mph. Engineers say the technology could find its way into military and commercial aircraft. By Amit Asaravala.
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Pegasus booster rocket ignites to send the X-43A on its record-setting flight.Courtesy of NASA

See related story: X-43A Jet Breaks Air Speed Record

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NASA's Brad Neal performs pre-flight checks on the B-52B.

Courtesy of NASA
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Technicians go over a pre-flight checklist.

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Another aspect of the X-43A attached to the B-52B's wing.

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Pegasus launches.

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A B-52B mother ship takes off with the X-43A tucked under her starboard wing.

Courtesy of NASA