BOSTON-Charles R. McClinton, technology manager for the Hyper-X Program at NASA's Langley Research Center (Hampton, VA) will present the keynote address, "Breaking the Hypersonic Barrier," at the NEPCON East/Electro and Assembly East manufacturing exhibition. The co-located events are taking place May 4-5 at the new Boston Convention and Exhibition Center.

Last November, NASA's X-43 research vehicle made aviation history with the second successful flight of a supersonic combustion ramjet (scramjet) powered, airplane at nearly 10 times the speed of sound. Scramjet-powered aircraft are being developed with an eye toward ultra high-speed commercial flights within the atmosphere and in Earth orbit.

For more information about NEPCON East/Electro 2005 and Assembly East call 203-840-5559 or visit www.nepconeast.com.