Test Aims To Advance Hybrid Rocket-Jet Engine

U.K.-based Reaction Engines has a DoD contract to further validate technology for a hybrid jet-rocket high-Mach engine.

Thursday, July 07, 2022 at 05:27 PM ET

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The testing campaign, which is also supported by the Air Force Research Laboratory, seeks to build upon previous evaluations of the company's thermal management technology. [Courtesy: Reaction Engines]

Key Takeaways:

Reaction Engines has launched a new phase of ground testing for its SABRE high-Mach propulsion technology, supported by a Pentagon contract.
The testing aims to validate the company's thermal management technology, which cools extreme temperatures to enable jet engines to operate up to Mach 4 and beyond before switching to rocket mode.
This technology is crucial for developing reusable space launch vehicles and high-speed flight, potentially revolutionizing access to space and significantly reducing launch costs.

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Reaction Engines, developer of the air-breathing SABRE rocket engine, has launched a new phase of testing of its high-Mach propulsion technology under a Pentagon contract, the U.K.-based company announced Thursday.

The testing campaign, which is also supported by the Air Force Research Laboratory, seeks to build upon previous evaluations of the company’s thermal management technology that cools extreme temperatures by using oxygen from ambient air in order to reach speeds up to Mach 5 before shifting to rocket mode.