Building America’s Hypersonic Bomber: Project Mayhem
America’s Hypersonic Bomber Project Unveiled
AMERICA is planning to build a hypersonic bomber that can fly at 7,000mph in a top-secret scheme dubbed “Project Mayhem”.
A Strategic Plan to Outmatch Russia and China with Hypersonic Technology
When Russia and China introduced their hypersonic missiles, the US seemed to be lagging behind – but the country’s Air Force had their eyes set on a bigger fish.
A £260 Million Project for a Multi-Mission Hypersonic Bomber
The £260 million project plans to build a bomber capable of high speeds that can confound enemy’s modern air defense.
Overcoming Downside: A Reusable Weapon for Extended Use
And the aircraft overcomes one costly downside that Russia’s missiles present – it won’t be a one-use weapon.
A Look into Project Mayhem’s Payload Capabilities
Little is known about the secretive project, but the Air Force contract notice revealed that Mayhem will be a “multi-mission” vehicle which will be dedicated to reconnaissance and strike.
The Power Behind the Hypersonic Speeds: Air-Breathing Scramjet Engine
The Mayhem will be powered by an “air-breathing” propulsion system, also known as a scramjet – an engine that compresses the air to a flammable pressure.
Overcoming Engineering Challenges for Hypersonic Flight
To survive the journey, the bomber will need to be covered in materials that haven’t been invented yet.
Funding Hurdles: The Roadblock for Project Mayhem
But the Mayhem programme might have run into another problem with funding delaying the next step of the development.
A Glimpse into the Future: Lockheed Martin’s SR-72
Dubbed the “Son of Blackbird” the SR-72 plane is part of a top-secret mission by the US Air Force to improve their aviation abilities and rule the skies.