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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United States Air Force has deployed twelve F-22 Raptors stealth fighter aircraft in Japan

Twelve F-22 Raptors and 300 staff from the US Air Force are to arrive at Kadena Air base in Japan today. That’s according to Japan’s Kyodo News Agency. The Lockheed Martin/Boeing F-22 Raptor is a single-seat, twin-engine fifth-generation supermaneuverable fighter aircraft that uses stealth technology.

Airman 1st Class Ronieiesha Baker, 82nd Security Forces Squadron, patrols the flightline Aug. 28, 2012 at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas. F-22 Raptors from Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., were evacuated to Sheppard as a precautionary measure in advance of Hurricane Issac.

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