A new rotating detonation-engined drone has been successfully tested, and allegedly flown in China, according to Chinese news sources.
The basic concept of an RDE is a detonation wave that travels around a circular channel . Fuel and oxidizer are injected into the channel through small holes or slits. A detonation is initiated in the fuel/oxidizer mixture by some form of igniter. After the engine is started, the detonations are self-sustaining. In turn, the combustion products expand out of the channel and are pushed out by the incoming fuel and oxidizer.during WW2, RDEs eliminate the need for purging after each pulse.
According to news reports from China, the RDE engine had already undergone multiple ground tests before it was attached to the drone for its first flight. “It uses kerosene fuel and features rapid ignition, and could power an aircraft from zero-speed to several times the speed of sound,” reportedExisting engines struggle to reach speeds multiple times the speed of sound due to inherent issues.
For this reason, an RDE engine is believed to be a more effective alternative to turbojet and ramjet engines, and they have the potential to revolutionize supersonic flights with less fuel consumption. Other options, like, are also great but require speeds above Mach 4 to initiate. The RDE, the other hand, can start from 0 mph and is said to be easier to maintain.
But RDEs are not without their issue, too. For example, the internal walls of the engine must withstand constant“This recent development marks a crucial step in TWR’s integrated strategy for advancing detonation engine and detonation-powered flight technologies,” said TWR in a press release on Wednesday .
If news about the successful test is genuine, it could have far-reaching impacts on various applications, such as commercial space rockets, high-speed drones, military aircraft, and guided missiles.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Philippines condemns Chinese 'floating barrier' in South China SeaThe Philippines on Sunday accused China's coast guard of installing a 'floating barrier' in a disputed area of the South China Sea, which it said prevents Filipinos from entering and fishing in the area.
Read more »
Philippines condemns Chinese ‘floating barrier’ in South China SeaThe Philippines on Sunday accused China’s coast guard of installing a “floating barrier” in a disputed area of the South China Sea, saying it prevented Filipinos from entering and…
Read more »
Philippines slams China over 'floating barrier' in South China SeaPhilippine coast guard and fisheries bureau personnel say they discovered a floating barrier, estimated at 300 metres long, on a routine patrol near the shoal, locally known as Bajo de Masinloc.
Read more »
The Philippines condemns China for installing floating barrier in disputed South China SeaThe Philippines on Sunday condemned the Chinese coast guard for installing what it called a “floating barrier” in a disputed area of the South China Sea, saying that it prevented Filipino boats from entering and fishing in the area.
Read more »
China state asset manager plans $14 billion emerging industry fund, China Business News reportsChina Reform Holdings Corp, a Chinese manager of state assets, plans to raise at least 100 billion yuan ($13.70 billion) for a fund that will invest in emerging industries, the China Business News reported on Sunday.
Read more »
Philippines to remove barrier placed by China in South China Sea - national security advisorThe Philippines will take 'all appropriate actions to cause the removal of barriers' in a disputed area of the South China Sea, the country's national security advisor, Eduardo M. Año, said on Monday.
Read more »