file: nasahypr.gif

This file contains a GIF image of a NASA design for a "hypersonic 
reconnaissance aircraft that is sorely needed to replace the SR-71", 
according to the technical report it was taken from. It greatly resembles
what some aerospace analysts are calling "Aurora". As far as I know, this
aircraft hasn't actually been built and flown.


Specifications:
_______________
Maximum speed: Mach 5.6
Cruising speed: Mach 5
Empty weight: 135,600 lbs.     (61,640 kg).
Maximum fuel carried: 145,000 lbs.     (65,910 kg).
Length: 207 feet     (63.09 meters)
Wingspan: 84 feet     (25.60 meters)
Engine type: combination turbojets/ramjets
Fuel: liquid hydrogen
Maximum range: 7,400 nautical miles     (13,700 km)
Cruising altitude: 90,000 feet     (27,430 meters)
Maximum altitude: 112,000 feet     (34,140 meters)
1992 estimated cost per aircraft: 1.2 billion dollars  (if 12 are purchased)

The image was taken from a NASA technical report, "Advanced Hypersonic
Aircraft Design", June 1992. It is available as item #N93-18037 from:
    U.S. Department of Commerce
    National Technical Information Service
    Springfield, VA  22161  USA
    phone (703) 487-4650
This report costs $19.50 per copy in the U.S., Canada and Mexico, and $39.00
for shipment elsewhere in the world. NTIS charges $3.00 per order for handling
in the U.S., Canada and Mexico, and $4.00 per order for handling elsewhere.
Ask for a free copy of their catalog of products and services. These prices
are as of April 1994.

Image info: This image was scanned at 170 dpi (to keep the file to a 
reasonable size) and I cleaned up stray pixel splotches left over from the
scanning process. If you print this image, I recommend using 300 dpi on a
laser printer, and having the printer print each pixel at 300 dpi, instead
of enlarging the image from 170 dpi to 300 dpi.

Paul McGinnis
Internet; TRADER@cup.portal.com
America Online: Paul McG
Compuserve: 76056,201
GEnie: EXP.ENG-