Transformation to the next level of technology is a pressing issue for the Air Force's strategic planers. Just how much of a leap in technology do engineers try to take when designing a new system. The answer depends if new discoveries have increased the technology available when they design a new system. However, it makes little sense to build new equipment that does not provide an improved capability or a more reliable system. That being said, the next long-range strike platform could take that technological leap and be a very fast near-space vehicle. Past events, such as the 2004 X-43 launch, show that technological progress is occurring on critical hypersonic components. While this is not a, paper on the technology per se, it covers the implications of building and operating a 'hypersonic' bomber force. This paper addresses the question of whether or not the hypersonic bomber is worth the required investment and covers several aspects involved with hypersonic bomber operations. The purpose of this study is to determine if the advantages gained from developing a hypersonic fleet outweigh the disadvantages. The author concludes that the advantages gained from developing a hypersonic fleet outweigh the platform's disadvantages.


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    Title :

    Need for Speed. Hypersonic Aircraft and the Transformation of Long Range Airpower


    Contributors:

    Publication date :

    2005


    Size :

    73 pages


    Type of media :

    Report


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English




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