US aircraft make up six times as fast as the speed of sound

Lockheed Martin, America's largest defense technology company, has announced significant technological breakthroughs that help develop supersonic aircraft at speeds of more than 7,400 km / h.

Lockheed's supersonic aircraft has a top speed of 7,400 km / h. (Image: Fortune.)

In August last year, French airline Airbus applied for a patent for a passenger plane that moved at 5,500 km / h, which was 4.5 times faster than the speed of sound. Powered by hydrogen, the model aircraft uses a rocket launcher to fly upstream before maintaining a cruising speed of 4,800 km / h.

According to Sputnik News, Lockheed Martin is planning to develop a faster aircraft for use in the military. Speaking to reporters on March 15, Marillyn Hewson, corporate executives, said Lockheed had made a major breakthrough.

" We are developing an aerodynamic configuration with low drag and easy control, which can operate stably from takeoff to subsonic, sonic, ultrasonic, and up to 7,400 km We will demonstrate that supersonic aircraft can be produced at affordable prices. "We estimate that the cost of developing, manufacturing and operating an F-22 maneuver was less than a billion. USD, "Hewson said.

The key issue in supersonic aircraft design is the design of an ultrasonic static turbofan that drives oxygen from the outside air to provide thrust to the aircraft. Lockheed claims to have found a solution that does not specifically address the specifications. Other breakthroughs include a new thermal protection system that prevents friction at high speeds, advanced aerodynamics, improved positioning control and long-distance communications.

Although geared toward military use, technology is likely to be developed for civilian purposes. "This technology also allows for super-conducting passenger flights and easier access to space ," Hewson said.

As planned, Lockheed's aircraft will be developed in the 2020s and ready for operation in the 2030s. "We have made significant strides in all technologies related to the supersonic field. Some of the challenges in technology such as repulsion and materials need to be high. "We are in the process of finalizing these technologies and are confident we can successfully drive the supersonic vehicle ," said Rob Weiss. , vice president of Lockheed's Skunkworks project.