So...men of great wisdom when commeth the next commercial SST?
So with fosil fuel economics looking fairly sad with the possible exception of syn fuels derivived from coal when might we see an economically viable SST. I would assume this model would perhaps be hypersonic, M5+ and cruise at 120k' or above. Beyond 2050 for the "Orient Express"? What kind of barriers do we now face? Do you learned engineers and scientists have any ideas for alternative propulsion systems. The R&D cost makes me shutter and for what, a few hundred units. I suppose will have to wait until the military uses this regularily, which might not occur do to UAVs. Any thoughts or links would be appreciated. Sub orbital to avoid drag????