[Mariner]

"Withstanding 3000 degrees f and the shock of hypersonic flight for hours on end was accomplished. "

Simulated, or real?

I saw a Ramjet Motor at Rocketdyne and, to me, it looked too simple to work. I was assured it does.

It was all about materials and very, very precise shape and surface.

But I haven't a clue what was inside where I could not see.

I just know if they get it, all of it, working together people are going to be wowed.

That said, considering the stresses and heat involved I expect a great deal of maintenance between flights.

[OftheOhio]

Real testing, not simulated. There were some pictures of the beast as part of the National Aerospace Plane display in the Air Force Museum once. The exhibit was only there for a month though. What a class act that job was, no outside interference or government job blockers.