A recent test run of an experimental jet engine saw it traveling up to 10 times the speed of sound. To give readers an idea of how powerful that is, it reached an altitude of 530km in a 12-minute run. Scientists have high hopes for the said engine and its possible application for air travel.

DSTO scientist Dr Warren Harch spoke specifically on the engine's practical application saying that "this technology has the potential to put numerous defence and civilian aerospace applications within our reach during the next couple of decades" This is very good news for international commuters everywhere, but how big a difference will it make?

If this new technology could be refined and adopted, it is predicted that a flight between Sydney and London would only last for two hours. The said scramjet engine, which is essentially an air-breathing supersonic combustion ramjet, was tested by both Australia's Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) and the United States' Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) in a collaborative effort.

DARPA spokesman Steven Walker spoke on the test, saying that it "has obtained the first-ever flight data on the inward-turning scramjet engine design. We are pleased ... and believe that a hypersonic airplane could be a reality in the not too distant future." Apparently, this technology could be adopted by the military before it sees commercial use.

That said, the future looks very bright for travelers everywhere. Theoretically speaking, it could possibly reach a point where people residing in Sidney could actually work at London and still be home that night for a home-cooked meal. Keep checking back here for the latest scientific breakthroughs.