An F-15E launched a hypersonic missile demonstrator, dubbed HyFly, which cleanly separated, then successfully ignited its solid rocket booster, reaching a speed greater than Mach 3, as part of a hypersonics test program run by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency and Boeing, states a company news release. The partnership hopes to use the HyFly program to mature the dual combustion ramjet hypersonic missile concept, eventually enabling a missile that is compatible with Air Force platforms as well as Navy aircraft and vessels.
Airmen basic rarely go on to become four-star generals, but one who did retired last week after a 42 year career that saw him rise from a lowly slick-sleeve to the head of one of the Air Force’s most important major commands.