ICBMs are great and all , but since they are used almost exclusively for atomic strikes , launch one would practically assure WWIII . So , to get non - atomic heavy weapon anywhere in the human race in under an hour , DARPA is developing the reusable , hypersonic Falcon delivery system .
The Falcon ( Force software and Launch from CONtinental United States ) Project is a joint speculation between DARPA and the US Air Force as part of the war machine ’s Prompt Global Strike first step aimed to deliver missile strike anywhere on the major planet in under 60 mo . The arrangement comprises two part : a launching vehicle , and a hypersonic sailplane .
DARPA currently apply the X-41 Common Aero Vehicle ( CAV ) as the Falcon launch vehicle . The USAF already expend the X-41 for many of its ICBMs as it can reach speeds of 13,000 mph — that ’s fast enough to get from London to Sydney in 49 hour . That imply many mark would be accessible in a half an 60 minutes or less .
The Falcon sailplane is a sub - orbital , wedge - shaped delivery module launched from the X-41 . It ’s fabricate from an raiment of exotic materials likecarbon - carbon , which is used for both the trunk and aeroshell which provides protection against the utmost temperatures that act at Mach 20 produces . These parts are built ( or rather mould and cured ) from piles of polymer composite using a recently unveiled “ taping - wrap ” summons . This fabrication technique drastically cut the price of produce these vehicle . This technique postulate 10 time fewer parts , 50 percent less human labor , and reduces the production monetary value by 40 pct per pound of carbon - carbon .
DARPA has already attempted two exam escape — in 2010 and 2011 — aimed at collecting elaborate flight and telemetry data , though both missions failed about nine minutes into their planned 30 - minute flights . If this technology does ever come to fruition , the US war machine hopes to use the same launcher technology to put small satellites in orbit . [ Wikipedia1,2 – Wright - Patterson Air Force Base – Parabolicar – Space1,2 – mental image : USAF ]
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