this post was submitted on 03 Jan 2024
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Why does it take one year for this plane to warm up before it breaks the sound barrier? Aren't there planes that already break the sound barrier in minutes/seconds and not take years?
The speed of sound is roughly 750mph
This plane goes 4000mph. Thats like Mach 6 right?
Edit: looks like SR71 still holds the record for now at Mach 3.5 or around 2000mph
I think the speed is more in regard to the capability to go into space. From what I remember, the SR71 was easily fast enough to go, but the limit was atmosphere (engines). If they could get something into space that could come back as a single unit (needing just a refuel), it could change a lot. Total speculation though, it's probably just super fast so it can go destroy other humans super good, because that's super important.
It takes lots of chops with an axe to break through
They'll test it on the ground and flying slowly first before going fast to make sure it's safe enough.