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 initiated a new phase of testing for its SABRE rocket engine's high-Mach propulsion technology under a Pentagon contract, aiming to significantly expand its performance envelope.
The testing focuses on validating the engine's thermal management technology, which cools extreme temperatures to enable air-breathing flight up to Mach 5 before switching to rocket mode.
This technology is expected to revolutionize high-speed flight by allowing current jet engines to operate beyond Mach 4 and enable the development of more efficient, reusable space launch vehicles.

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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.