China tested a hypersonic engine that runs on coal

China continues to develop an engine for aircraft that will be able to travel at hypersonic speeds. In one of the experiments, scientists tested the operation of the engine on coal.

Here's What We Know

Experts used coal powder and ethylene vapor to trigger a series of detonations. Scientists experimentally found that the velocity of the shock wave in such an engine is about six times the speed of sound and is 2000 m/s.

The tests were conducted at Nanjing University of Science and Technology. They tested it in a wide temperature range, with a lack of oxygen and a surplus of oxygen. Successful completion of the tests means that the detonation hypersonic engine based on coal powder and ethylene can be used in vehicles for flight at different altitudes and speeds.

It is assumed that the hypersonic aircraft will be able to take off and land in a conventional airfield at low speed. In the case of other types of hypersonic engines, this task is virtually unrealizable.

Source: scmp