The fourth and final mission of the Boeing X-51A WaveRider unmanned hypersonic vehicle sets the record for the longest ever air-breathing hypersonic flight. The X-51A traveled more than 230 nautical miles in slightly more than six minutes off the coast of southern California. A B-52 starting from Edwards AFB, Calif., carried the WaveRider aloft, releasing it at approximately 50,000 feet in altitude. The X-51’s rocket booster accelerated the vehicle to Mach 4.8, when the X-51 separated and ignited its supersonic combustion ramjet engine to propel itself to Mach 5.1 at 60,000 feet.
Pentagon Releases Cost of Living, BAH Rates for 2026
Dec. 30, 2025
The Pentagon will pay cost of living allowances to 127,000 service members in the continental U.S. in 2026, an increase of 66,000 members in 2025. Airmen and Guardians across the U.S. will also receive an average increase of 4.2 percent for their Basic Housing Allowance, compared to the 5.4 percent…
