X-Bow engine test: ground trials of the ballistic and hypersonic interceptor

The photo captures a ground test of the engine for the upcoming X-Bow interceptor ordered by the Pentagon. A powerful pink-orange plasma jet erupts from the nozzle of the cylindrical body, lighting up the test pad at sunset. Blue support frames, sensors and cables record the performance of the propulsion system that Washington is betting on to counter ballistic and hypersonic threats.