The rumble of jet engines might soon be joined by a new, terrifying sound on the battlefield – the hypersonic scream of the X-51A Waverider missile.
This game-changer isn’t launched from a sleek fighter jet but from the belly of a familiar workhorse – the C-17 Globemaster III, transformed into a deadly arsenal by Boeing’s revolutionary “Revolver” launch system.
The Revolver isn’t just about brute force. Its dual-drum design and electromagnetic catapult allow for the rapid launch of up to 12 Waverider missiles, each a marvel of engineering capable of Mach 5 speeds.
Imagine a C-17, nicknamed “Buddha” for its imposing presence, silently gliding over the battlefield. Suddenly, the Revolver unleashes a salvo of these hypersonic missiles, striking critical targets with devastating precision before the enemy even knows what hit them.
This capability transcends traditional fighter jets, offering a strategic advantage that could rewrite the rules of aerial warfare.
While the Revolver is still a concept, with Boeing showcasing its potential in late June through impressive animations, the impact it promises is undeniable.
For anyone currently distrustful of Boeing may I introduce you to their new hypersonic missile revolver pic.twitter.com/4Vkm0gRmab
— Chris Combs (iterative design enjoyer) (@DrChrisCombs) June 28, 2024
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