Hypersonic.

This is coolbert:

That hypersonic missile, not ballistic in nature, is NOT a figment of my imagination.

"Hypersonic Cruise Missile: America's New Global Strike Weapon"

Static tests of such a vehicle have already been done, and full-scale test flight is in the works for 2009 by the earliest.

Called at this point the X-51.

A hypersonic missile, launched from a B-52 that will allow any spot on earth to be struck within sixty minutes of the “go” signal being given. A scramjet type of missile, the scramjet having no moving parts for the engine, the body of the missile being of the waverider variety. Impressive technology.

Will NOT carry a nuclear warhead. ON THE CONTRARY! Designed to provide for a very effective and almost instantaneous NON-NUCLEAR response to a “situation”.

Conventional weaponry again having been developed to the point where the amount of damage created is at least equal to that of a tactical nuke. In the case of the hypersonic X-51, the payload is thousands [exact number unknown] of tungsten flechettes [?], each having the striking power way beyond that of a fifty caliber [.50] round. Wherever the X-51 warhead detonates, destruction is complete and assured.

"Traveling as fast as 13,000 mph, the warheads are filled with scored tungsten rods with twice the strength of steel. Just above the target, the warheads detonate, showering the area with thousands of rods-each one up to 12 times as destructive as a .50-caliber bullet. Anything within 3000 sq. ft. of this whirling, metallic storm is obliterated."

It is easy to imagine that this [hypersonic missile] is also something the Russians would be interested in. Allow their fleet of aging but still effective TU-95 “Bear” bombers to remain in useful service for decades to come.

[allowing for mid-course maneuver to foil defenses too? As with the latest Russian ballistic missile re-entry vehicle carried into orbit by a Topol missile! The Russian hypersonic vehicle is called the "Needle"!]

A submarine launched version of the hypersonic missile is also under consideration. Multiple independent re-entry vehicles borne aloft from a Trident missile. Taken into ballistic orbit and hit any spot on the planet.

This is formidable and deadly technology. Nuclear effect with non-nuclear weaponry. Flexible and responsive.

coolbert.