Jet engine tested at 10 times speed of sound

An experimental jet engine has been successfully tested at speeds of up to 11,000 km per hour, or 10 times the speed of sound, during trials in Australia's outback, defense scientists said on Friday.

The experimental scramjet engine is an air-breathing supersonic combustion engine being developed by Australian and US defense scientists that researchers hope will lead to super-high speed flight.

Scientists from Australia's defense Science and Technology Organization and the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), used a conventional rocket to launch the scramjet high above the Woomera test site. The engine was then tested as it reached speeds of Mach 10.

"All the indications are it was a success, and we have some very happy scientists," said an Australian defense spokesman.

Flight data will be examined over coming weeks and compared to ground tests results, said DARPA chief researcher Steven Walker.

"We are pleased with this joint effort between the US and Australia and believe that a hypersonic airplane could be a reality in the not too distant future," Walker said.

Scientists say the scramjet engine could lead to high-speed flights on long-range missions, as well as new low-cost ways to launch satellites into space.

Source: China Daily/Agencies