I guess we are knocking on the door of an Epstein drive (Expanse reference here) or Warp Drive. I hope Scotty can reverse the polarity in the anti-matter drive in time for it to work.

Seriously, the problem is no iron dome can stop a Hypersonic vehicle. A pre-emptive strike would be here and there is nothing we can do about it.

• China unveils MD-22 hypersonic drone, capable of Mach 7 speeds and near-space operations.
• The drone is reusable, can travel 8,000 km, and carry 600 kg payloads for military and civilian use.
• It launches mid-air from a high-altitude balloon, eliminating the need for traditional runways.
• While China leads in hypersonic tech, the U.S., Russia, and others are also advancing in the field.
• The drone’s potential for global security and scientific innovation raises both concerns and opportunities.

China’s recent unveiling of a hypersonic drone has sent ripples through the global aerospace community. A video released by the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) shows the MD-22, a cutting-edge unmanned aircraft, being launched from a high-altitude balloon and reaching speeds of Mach 7 before landing safely. This breakthrough marks a significant step forward in China’s quest for dominance in hypersonic technology. What exactly is this drone, and should Americans be concerned about China’s advancements?

What makes the hypersonic drone special?

The MD-22 is no ordinary drone. It operates in the “near-space” zone, a region between conventional aircraft and satellites. This gives it unparalleled flexibility and strategic capabilities. The drone can travel up to 8,000 kilometers (4,971 miles) and carry payloads of 600 kilograms (1,323 pounds), making it a formidable tool for both military and civilian applications.

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