An Air Force Hyper-sonic test flight has failed. The Hyper-sonic X-51A is a joint project between the Pentagon and NASA which was designed to travel at speeds in excess of 4500 mph.
The third test of the X-51A Waverider was launched Tuesday from Edwards Air Force Base in the Mojave desert. The craft was flown out off the California coast by a B-52 Bomber.
Image from U.S. Air Force
After approximately 15 seconds of flight, the experimental aircraft designed to fly at six times lost control and spiraled into the mouth of the mighty Pacific Ocean.
Government officials said that the mechanical failure came from somewhere in the tail fin which caused the aircraft to crash. The plan was for the aircraft to fly for around 300 seconds reaching Mach 6.
As of now there are no plan’s to test a 4th X-51A Waverider.
What do you think should there be a 4th flight or is this a waste of government money?
