Ohio-based aircraft engine supplier GE Aerospace has announced the successful demonstration of a new, cutting-edge hypersonic dual-mode ramjet. According to the company, the achievement – which could enable high-speed flight and longer range across numerous multi-mission aircraft – represents the most recent milestone in its diverse portfolio of hypersonic programmes.
Testing of the dual-mode ramjet began in March of this year in the clean air, continuous flow, high-speed propulsion testing facility in Evendale, Ohio, just 11 months after the launch of the design effort. The testing delivered promising results, exceeding performance expectations and demonstrating robust operation of a dual-mode ramjet with a threefold increase in airflow compared to previously flight-tested hypersonic technology demonstrators.
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‘The rapid progression from design to testing underscores our commitment to driving innovation in hypersonic technologies,’ said Amy Gowder, president and CEO of defence and systems at GE Aerospace. ‘This milestone not only shows the exceptional talent and dedication of our team but also reaffirms our position as a leader in the pursuit of hypersonic flight.’
The company said that the successful development and testing of the dual-mode ramjet in such a short period of time was made possible through the collaboration of GE Aerospace’s team of engineers, Innoveering – a company acquired by GE Aerospace in 2022 that specialises in hypersonic propulsion – and GE Aerospace’s Research Center.
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‘The technology’s robust performance paves the way for the next phase of development, which will focus on continued testing and technology demonstration in alignment with our roadmap for integrated high-speed propulsion solutions,’ said Mark Rettig, vice president and general manager of Edison Works Business and Technology Development at GE Aerospace.
GE explained last year that its engine relies on rotating detonation combustion (RDC). A typical air-breathing dual-mode ramjet propulsion system can only begin operating when the vehicle achieves supersonic speeds of greater than Mach 3. Using RDC enables the ramjet operate at lower speeds, so the flight vehicle can operate more efficiently and achieve a longer range. RDC enables higher thrust generation more efficiently, at an overall smaller engine size and weight, by combusting the fuel through detonation wave. Compared to traditional combustion technology, the detonation is more rapid and less predictable, generating more energy from significantly less fuel.