Venus Aerospace’s jet engine with integrated rotary detonation rocket engine can propel the aircraft to speeds of more than 7,400 km/h.
Venus Aerospace Company introduces a groundbreaking engine model for high-speed aviation. The Venus Detonation Ramjet 2000 lb (VDR2) thruster recently debuted at the Up.Summit event, according to Interesting Engineering. This development marks a major milestone in hypersonic flight technology, with the potential to transform air traffic by allowing airlines to cover enormous distances at incredible speeds. The new engine will make supersonic flight a reality, according to Andrew Duggleby, chief technology officer of Venus Aerospace.
A key challenge for hypersonic flight is creating an engine that can maintain sustained thrust at extreme speeds. Current hypersonic systems rely mainly on gliding objects, launched to high altitudes and speeds by rockets before gliding back to the ground. Although effective, such a method is not feasible for commercial airlines that need to maintain powered flights throughout the journey.
The VDR2 addresses the challenge with a simple design, based on a ramjet engine. This is a jet engine that uses the forward motion of the aircraft to compress incoming air, so there is no need for complex and fragile propellers like conventional jet engines. Venus Aerospace reinforces the traditional ramjet design by integrating a rotary detonation rocket engine (RDRE) into the VDR2.
This technology enhances both thrust and efficiency through continuous detonation. During that process, fuel and oxidizer are injected into the narrow gap between the two cylinders and burned, creating a rotating supersonic shock wave inside the gap. The method produces much more force than the burning method.
In addition, the combination of a straight jet engine and RDRE technology provides an engine that is not only powerful but also durable. It can push the plane to a speed of Mach 6 (7,408 km/h) and reach an altitude of 52,000 m. Additionally, Venus Aerospace predicts the VDR2 is 15% more efficient than traditional engines, making it even more suitable for commercial use.
The first test flight of the VDR2 is scheduled for next year. If everything goes according to plan, the project will have a major impact on the future of supersonic aircraft and has the potential to revolutionize all air transportation.