Explosive engine test with drone could propel China to supersonic age
- Ignition experiment on rotating detonation engine, capable of unparalleled speeds, for drone’s maiden flight ‘a success’
- The technology could have applications for commercial rockets and high-speed drones, as well as military aircraft and guided missiles
The FB-1 Rotating Detonation Engine (FB-1 RDE) was developed jointly by Chongqing University Industrial Technology Research Institute and Thrust-to-Weight Ratio Engine (TWR), a Shenzhen-based private company.
Images circulating online show the engine ignited and tested during the taxiing phase of the drone, which is about five metres (16ft) long. It is unclear whether the engine continued to operate during the flight.
According to a Chongqing Morning News report on Wednesday, the engine ignition experiment was also the drone’s first flight. The craft was developed by the university, with participation by TWR, it said.
A range of ground tests were previously carried out on the RDE engine before it was mounted to the drone for its maiden flight, the report said.
“It uses kerosene fuel and features rapid ignition, and could power an aircraft from zero-speed to several times the speed of sound,” it said.
