New Chinese Hypersonic Jet Flies At A Blazing 6.5 Times The Speed Of Sound

Chinese scientists have unveiled groundbreaking advancements in aviation with a prototype hypersonic jet achieving speeds of Mach 6.56 (approximately 5,033 mph). The achievement, confirmed by the Chinese Academy of Sciences, stems from a 2021 test flight conducted at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in the Gobi Desert. The results remained classified until recently when the academy shared details, including a video of the jet’s liftoff and a speech by project leader Cui Kai.

The bulky design of the hypersonic jet defies the slim configurations typically seen in such aircraft, addressing a key challenge: maximizing usable interior space. Traditional hypersonic vessels often compromise internal capacity, limiting their application to missiles and reconnaissance missions. Cui’s innovative approach aims to make hypersonic technology viable for passenger and cargo transport.

Originally conceptualized in 2013, Cui’s team envisioned the jet enabling a two-hour journey between Beijing and New York, slashing the usual 13-hour commercial flight duration. By 2018, reports indicated that the team had finalized the jet’s design, pushing the boundaries of aerodynamics and materials science. Despite skepticism, the team validated their design through extensive experiments before the 20-minute test flight in 2021.

The test flight tackled critical challenges for hypersonic aviation, particularly the relationship between flight speed and interior space. However, Cui emphasized that the project faces ongoing hurdles, including issues with power systems, materials, and structural integrity. The team has not disclosed whether a full-scale model has been built or a timeline for its first operational flight.

This development highlights China’s ambitions in aerospace innovation. While supersonic planes like the Concorde paved the way, hypersonic jets demand cutting-edge advancements to handle extreme speeds. If successful, this technology could revolutionize global travel and redefine the boundaries of aviation.