美開發垂直起降轟炸機　探索極音速投射戰力

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美開發垂直起降轟炸機飛行想像圖(圖片取自新邊界航太公司網站)

美國空軍近日公布垂直起降（VTOL）轟炸機概念計畫，擬研發一款可重複使用的火箭動力飛行載臺，未來可望執行極音速武器投射與長程精準打擊任務，作為下一代遠程戰略打擊能力的重要發展方向。

The U.S. Air Force has unveiled a conceptual Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) bomber program aimed at developing a reusable rocket-powered aircraft capable of delivering hypersonic weapons and conducting long-range precision strike missions, positioning it as a potential cornerstone of future strategic strike capabilities.

根據美國空軍日前發布的招標文件，新型載臺將採用液體燃料火箭發動機作為主要動力，不僅具備垂直起降能力，升空後還能轉換為水平超音速甚至極音速飛行。美軍將針對火箭發動機性能、飛行控制系統、推力向量控制、氣動操控及熱管理等關鍵技術進行評估，以驗證該平台執行高速轟炸任務的可行性。

According to a recently released U.S. Air Force solicitation, the proposed platform will be powered by liquid-fueled rocket engines, enabling vertical takeoff before transitioning into horizontal supersonic or hypersonic flight. The program will evaluate key technologies including rocket propulsion, flight control systems, thrust vectoring, aerodynamic control, and thermal management to determine the platform’s potential for high-speed strike operations.

外界分析指出，美軍提出的技術需求與美國新創公司「New Frontier Aerospace」提出的「Intercontinental Rocketliner（洲際火箭客機）」概念高度相似。該設計採用再生液化天然氣（RLNG）作為燃料，可垂直起飛並於高層大氣滑翔飛行，最高速度可達8馬赫，理論上可實現東京直飛紐約的超高速航程，同時宣稱未來飛行成本有望低於傳統客機。

Analysts noted that the Air Force’s requirements closely resemble the "Intercontinental Rocketliner" concept developed by New Frontier Aerospace. Powered by renewable liquefied natural gas (RLNG), the vehicle is designed for vertical launch followed by high-altitude glide flight, with a projected top speed of Mach 8. The company claims the concept could eventually enable nonstop flights from Tokyo to New York while achieving operating costs lower than those of conventional airliners.

此外，新邊界航太也宣布將展開「Mjölnir（雷神之錘）」火箭發動機及「Pathfinder（探路者）」無人技術驗證機的測試工作，藉此驗證核心推進技術，並推動新一代高速航空載具發展，未來除軍事用途外，也具備拓展民航與商業太空運輸等多元應用潛力。

Meanwhile, New Frontier Aerospace has announced upcoming tests of its Mjölnir rocket engine and Pathfinder unmanned technology demonstrator. These trials are intended to validate key propulsion technologies and accelerate the development of next-generation high-speed aerospace vehicles for both military applications and potential commercial aviation and space transportation missions.