Originally Posted by
rak64
Mach 5 is pure military demand. The idea is to attack sensitive strategic Installations.
I can't see any civil elements in the Boings drawing. Or would a VIP px wear a astronauts suit, because supersonic air transport would happen above FL500? Indeed, a commercial VIP supersonic aircraft would have a double hull, for the case of rapid decompression. To highlight one point. If it is not a patent to claim one, it looks like a covered civil project to develop for military requirements.
Like friction stir welding, very "necessary" for VLJ, but a huge advantage for rocket fuel tanks.
trouble with Mach 5 capability is it takes us back to "launch on warning"......