United States Air Force X-51A Waverider missile has achieved the longest hypersonic flight

The U.S. Air Force announced Friday, May 3, 2013, its X-51A Waverider missile has achieved the longest hypersonic flight in history, flying for three and a half minutes on scramjet power at more than five times the speed of sound. The final flight of the unmanned aircraft built by Boeing reached Mach 5.1 over the Pacific Ocean on May 1. It traveled over 230 nautical miles in just over six minutes.

The X-51A Waverider prepares to launch its historic fourth and final flight. The cruiser achieved Mach 5.1 traveling 230 nautical miles in just over six minutes, making this test the longest air-breathing hypersonic flight ever. (U.S. Air Force photo/Bobbi Zapka)

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Boeing Phantom Eye unmanned aircraft system has completed taxi testing

Boeing's [NYSE: BA] liquid hydrogen-powered Phantom Eye unmanned aircraft system has completed taxi testing at Edwards Air Force Base in California as it progresses toward its second flight. During the testing, which occurred Feb. 6, the Phantom Eye demonstrator aircraft sitting atop its launch cart reached speeds up to 40 knots, or approximately 46 miles per hour.

Boeing's [NYSE: BA] liquid hydrogen-powered Phantom Eye unmanned aircraft system has completed taxi testing at Edwards Air Force Base in California as it progresses toward its second flight. (Credit photo Boeing)

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