BEIJING, Aug. 16 (Xinhuanet) -- A hypersonic jet launched by the US Air Force has broken apart just seconds into its latest test flight.

The aircraft, known as Waverider, was due to fly for five minutes. But after only 16 seconds, the missile-like jet flew out of control, leading researchers to destroy it early. The problem is said to have been a faulty control fin.

The unmanned aircraft is designed to fly at six times the speed of sound after being dropped from a B-52 bomber. It’s the third time the Air Force has been unable to test the technology as planned.

(Source: CNTV.cn)