Super Pointy Sprint Missile - 0 to Mach 10 in 15 Seconds - 100Gs & 6000°F
Why Hacker News recommends it
Shared in hypersonic and missile threads as a compact, impressive overview of what Sprint achieved in the 1960s.
What it is
A short video on the US Sprint anti-ballistic missile, which accelerated to around Mach 10 in seconds under extreme g-forces and heat. It includes striking launch footage and a brief development history.
Recommended by 3 HN commenters across 4 different months, 2021 to 2024.
What Hacker News said
Strong rec jcims · 2022-07 · on “US hypersonic missile fails in test- 2nd consecutive failed attempt”
You beat me to it! This timecoded link shows the launch sequence of the Sprint with a tracking shot of the vehicle itself. Pretty remarkable watching it start to glow white: [this video] I think this is the first video on that channel where the subject can match the guy's cadence. It's a great overview of the development of the Sprint though, worth watching if it's of interest.
Recommends jcims · 2021-02 · on “Don't Believe the Hype About Hypersonic Missiles”
Cool video of the (hypersonic) Sprint anti-ballistic missile, designed to intercept incoming ICBMs once they get below the ionosphere and are more visible to radar: [this video] It looks fake. I'm bummed I'll likely never see something like that in person...at least in a test.
Recommends mjreacher · 2021-08 · on “Missile Base for Sale”
Here's a 6 minute video explaining the sprint missile for those unaware and interested (rather fascinating technology for the 70s) [this video]
Recommends Terr_ · 2024-02 · on “Varda Capsule Reentry – Five Minutes from LEO to Earth [video]”
On the subject of impressive old missile footage, I recommend the Nike-X program's Sprint interceptor-missile. Not hot glowing plasma on re-entry, but instead going up . As a short-range interceptor, Sprints were slammed up out of their silos via an explosively-driven piston, then they would ignite and reorient in midair, accelerating at 100g to reach Mach 10. The missile itself couldn't see very much, but would be remotely guided with strong signals from the launch installation. [LINK] [LINK] [this video]