DARPA keeps on blowing my mind. (and sometimes scares the hell out of me.)
The HTV-2 (Hypersonic Technology Vehicle 2)
DARPA's hypersonic, unmanned deliverer of destruction
It is "...part of the advanced Conventional Prompt Global Strike weapons program, which is aimed at developing a bomber capable of reaching any target on Earth within an hour."
Mach 20 has been achieved, but that's where the HTV-2 runs into a problem. During test runs, (starting in 2010) hitting mach 20 throws the vehicle into barrel rolls, completely out of control.
SO! All the kinks haven't been ironed out, but it has shown its frightening potential.
An artist's illustration of (HTV-2)
It stays in orbit, then can be deployed and cruise at 13,000 mph to whatever destination the government fancies.
Here's a picture of the HTV-2 in orbit, sheaths detached,
the arrowhead of a vehicle shown in the center.
Oh, DARPA!
You and your silly killing machines never fail to entertain!
Tip of the hat to Space.com
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