Own the record-breaking scramjet NASA and Russia built

(Image: Courtesy of the owner)

In the market for a really fast ride? If so, 8 September may be your lucky day. Collectors looking to shell out for a major piece of aerospace history will have a chance to place their bids on this CIAM-NASA HFL “Kholod” scramjet, one of the fastest machines ever to fly.

The first Kholod was launched by the Central Institute of Aviation Motors (CIAM) in 1991, just weeks before the dissolution of the USSR. CIAM then joined forces with NASA and in 1998, the rocket flew at a record-breaking Mach 6.47 – nearly 8000 kilometres per hour.

(Image: Courtesy of the owner)

Nine Kholod rockets were made, but five were destroyed during test flights, so you’re unlikely to feel the embarrassment of rolling up next to another one at a red light. As for how much this little beauty will cost you, we don’t know – it’s being sold in London without estimate or reserve.