Superfast Drone Powered by Innovative ‘Rotating Detonation Rocket Engine’ Approaches Supersonic Speeds

The article discusses a groundbreaking achievement in drone technology by Venus Aerospace, which has conducted a successful test flight of a drone equipped with a “rotating detonation rocket engine” (RDRE). This innovative engine burns like a rocket and has the potential to enable near-supersonic and eventually hypersonic commercial flights, reaching speeds of Mach 9.
During the test flight on February 24th, the drone, measuring 8 feet long and weighing 300 pounds, was flown to an altitude of 12,000 ft by an Aero L-29 Delfín plane before being deployed with the RDRE activated. The drone achieved speeds just under the speed of sound, flying 10 miles at Mach 0.9, or over 680 miles per hour, using 80% of the RDRE’s thrust.
The RDRE operates differently from conventional rocket engines, with a detonation wave continuously rotating around a ring-shaped chamber. This design, using hydrogen peroxide as fuel, results in a self-sustaining series of detonations after ignition. The engine produced 1,200 pounds of thrust during the test flight, showcasing its efficiency.
Venus Aerospace claims that RDRE technology is 15% more efficient than conventional rocket engines, potentially allowing for longer flights on the same amount of fuel. The company aims to develop commercial supersonic aircraft capable of reaching Mach 9 speeds, which would revolutionize air travel with significantly reduced flight times.
However, the article also mentions challenges associated with RDRE technology, including noise levels and increased stress on the engines and support structures due to rapid accelerations from continuous detonations. Collaboration with DARPA suggests potential military applications for RDRE technology.
Future plans for Venus Aerospace include further test flights, including fitting the RDRE on larger drones capable of achieving hypersonic flight, which is five times faster than the speed of sound. This development marks a significant step towards the realization of high-speed commercial and military aviation.

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