Jun 26 2008DARPA Vulcan Engine Solves Problems
The problem with traditional scramjet planes (planes with the potential of hitting Mach 12-24) is they require supersonic airflow in order to function. So getting up to Mach 4 is a problem. That's why they've typically been piggybacked on other planes to get up to speed, and then released. Which isn't efficient or cost effective (since when did we start caring about this?).
Enter the DAPRA Vulcan. The Vulcan is a hybrid engine that can power a plane with a turbo jet until it's time to kick on the scramjet and feel your nuts climb up into your stomach. DARPA hopes to have a working prototype complete by 2012 and I'm all for it. Think about it -- Mach 24. That's like 250 trillion miles an hour. Which does comes with some inherent risk: I heard if you go that fast you may actually start aging in reverse and then crash the plane because you're seven and can't fly. I believe it.
Hit the jump for a conceptual video.
Thanks to Julian, who calls dibs on being the first person in the Mile High, Mach 24 club
Reader Comments
1. Asbo - June 26, 2008 12:12 PM
2012? Why cant they just build it now? They have normal engines, and they have scramjet engines....ffs. Humans take so fucking long to do anything.
2. Popadopolis - June 26, 2008 12:15 PM
I'm a little confused... why is my scramjet not good enough again? I bet this one doesn't even make the PEW PEW noises mine does in my bath tub at night. Pfffff...
Well at least it's a hybrid, so it's gotta be fuel-efficient...
3. acidpirate - June 26, 2008 12:36 PM
lol DARPA
4. acidpirate - June 26, 2008 12:37 PM
sorry, i meant, lol DARPA chief, and vulcan raven.... metal gear solid reference? lol joke, i know its not..... honest
5. Julian - June 26, 2008 12:39 PM
I've already pre ordered a couple of these Vulcans to attach to my spaceship. My mission is clear . . . I'm going to Neptune to hookup with some sweet Neptunian chicks . . . mmmm blue aureolas.
6. guate6 - June 26, 2008 12:44 PM
Man, this news is so old! I actually already flew one of these and just as the writer predicted, I went back in time, because I went faster than the speed of light...because of course, these are logical physics and any of you who disagree should read a book, namely published my a renown doctor (I believe his name is Seuss).
Y'all who keep posting that things are old: well, you fail at life and should quit.
7. Momboelitist - June 26, 2008 2:17 PM
Peanut butter jelly time.....
8. Garuda - July 2, 2008 11:58 AM
Uh.... Mach 24 is about 15840 Mph... and Vulcan engines arent really new news. (bursting bubbles everywhere!)
9. Matthew - July 6, 2008 1:19 PM
I'm sorry Asbo but your comment caught my attention. I agree humans do take too long to do things, but as opposed to what? And aren't you a human yourself?
10. Mulletov - September 5, 2008 12:27 AM
aah, julian, so sorry to burst your bubble, but jets just dont work in space
:(
but attaching waffles to the front of your car can apparantly reach warp 4.2 under test conditions.
:D