GE Aerospace tested a prototype hypersonic engine for aircraft, UAVs and missiles

There are several companies in the US involved in hypersonic technology. One of them is GE Aerospace. It recently tested a hypersonic engine for drones, missiles and aircraft.

Here's What We Know

The peculiarity of the development is the combination of a straight-through jet engine and a rotary detonation engine. GE Aerospace says this design, along with the use of high-temperature electronics, thermal management and additive manufacturing technologies, will create a propulsion system capable of delivering a wide speed range.

The disadvantage of the straight jet engine is poor performance at low Mach numbers. This raises the need for a rocket that will allow the vehicle to reach high speeds.

At the same time, the rotary detonation engine is capable of efficient operation at both low and high speeds, including hypersonic speeds (from 6174 km/h). Thus, the combined propulsion system makes it possible to utilise the strengths of both types of engines.

The combined propulsion system is more reliable in operation due to the absence of moving components. If all goes according to plan, GE Aerospace will introduce a full-scale version of the engine next year.

Source: General Electric Aerospace