Hypersonic In aerodynamics, a hypersonic speed is one that is highly supersonic. Since the 1970s, the term has generally been assumed to refer to speeds of Mach 5 and above. The precise Mach number at which a craft can be said to be flying at hypersonic speed varies, since individual physical changes in the airflow (like molecular dissociation and ionization) occur at different speeds; these effects collectively become important around Mach 5. The hypersonic regime is often alternatively defined as speeds where ramjets do not produce net thrust. 

Aero Linx: The Rhode Island Pilots Association The Rhode Island Pilots Association has more than 300 members in and around the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations. As a member of RIPA, you can both participate with and benefit from us. We are here to promote the mutual benefit and welfare of our members as a part of the aviation community. We: Promote aviation safety Exchange information among our members as well as the general public concerning the aviation industry and general aviation Foster good will and camaraderie among our members Assist our members with issues relative to general aviation

"There are at least two Global Hawks in the air at all times providing indispensable ISR information to those that need it. The 2014 fiscal year was the most active yet for the Global Hawk, with a 40 percent year over year increase in flight hours." Source: Mick Jaggers, Global Hawk UAS program director, Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems, as the U.S. Air Force RQ-4 Global Hawk and other variants of Northrop Grumman Corporation's High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) series continued to prove their value to U.S. government agencies by flying more intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) mission hours in one week than ever before.