Review and Evaluation of the Air Force Hypersonic Technology Program

This study was undertaken in response to a request by the U.S. Air Force that the National Research Council (NRC) examine whether the technologies that underlie the concept of a hypersonic, air-launched, air-breathing, hydrocarbon-fueled missile with speeds up to Mach 81 can be demonstrated in time to be initially operational by 2015. To conduct the study, the NRC appointed the Committee on Review and Evaluation of the Air Force Hypersonic Technology Program, under the auspices of the Air Force Science and Technology Board.

• FRONT MATTER
• EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
• 1 INTRODUCTION
• 2 RESPONSES TO PARTS 1 AND 2 OF THE STATEMENT OF TASK
• 3 OTHER APPLICATIONS OF HYPERSONIC TECHNOLOGIES
• 4 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
• REFERENCES
• A COMMITTEE MEETINGS AND OTHER ACTIVITIES
• B AIR FORCE HYPERSONIC TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM
• C ANALYSIS OF THE VULNERABILITY OF A HYPERSONIC MISSILE TO SURFACE-TO-AIR DEFENSIVE MISSILES
• GLOSSARY