X-51 Waverider

The X‑51 Waverider is an experimental hypersonic scramjet‑propelled aircraft developed by Boeing in partnership with the U.S. Air Force, NASA and the United States Naval Research Laboratory. Initiated in 2005, the program sought to demonstrate sustained flight at Mach 5 and above using air‑breathing propulsion, eliminating the need for heavyweight rocket stages. The vehicle’s slender, wedge‑shaped fuselage is optimized for shock‑wave capture, allowing the scramjet inlet to compress incoming air to combustion temperatures without moving parts. Built from titanium and advanced composite materials, the X‑51 carries a small amount of liquid‑hydrogen fuel and a pulse‑detonation injector that ignites the mixture at speeds exceeding 5,500 km/h. Over a series of four successful test flights between 2010 and 2013, the Waverider achieved a record 210‑second powered flight, proving the viability of high‑Mach scramjet operation. Its achievements opened new pathways for rapid‑response strike weapons, space‑plane launch assist, and high‑speed commercial travel concepts. By confirming that an air‑breathing engine can sustain hypersonic cruise, the X‑51 reshaped research priorities and cemented Boeing’s role as a leader in next‑generation aerospace propulsion. The program’s data continue to inform the design of future hypersonic missiles and potential reusable launch vehicles, ensuring the X‑51’s legacy endures in modern aerospace development.

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