Abstract: A distributed virtual simulation system of the hypersonic vehicle X-38 based on the client/server model was presented through using Java and virtual reality modeling language (VRML). Some key technologies in the virtual simulation system, such as 3D scene reconstruction and event modeling, distributed network architecture design and database management as well as scene interface implementation, were discussed in detail. The practical running result of this virtual simulation system is good. The simulation system has good portability and scalability. It is easy to deploy under the large-scale environment and to implement the secondary development.