• Question: i am aware that Boeing is developing a new type of civil aircraft which will fly 3 to 4 times the speed of sound, are you involved this project if yes do you know when it will be ready for airlines to buy this kind of aircraft?

    Asked by neilaandkitty to Al on 14 Mar 2012.
    • Photo: Al Bartlett

      Al Bartlett answered on 14 Mar 2012:


      Hello Neilaandkitty,

      What a fantastic question!! Boeing have lots of different aircraft in development but the aircraft you are talking about is known as a ‘ScramJet’ – Its actual name is the X-51. I don’t work on it unfortunately but it would be a great project to be part of!

      The thing with ScramJet’s is that they are really in the development stage at the moment and are more likely to be used by the military than the civil airlines. I have no doubt that we will see the ScramJet technology introduced in to civillian airlines but it won’t be for many more years yet because it really is an unknown subject and there is plenty more information for the scientists and engineers to find out before they can carry passengers.

      If you are interested, I have found this link for you to read about ScramJet’s and the X-51 – Enjoy!!

      http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boeing_X-51

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