Rotating Detonation Engines (RDE) replace deflagrative combustion with supersonic detonation shockwaves, promising a 25% jump in thermodynamic efficiency for orbital spaceplanes.
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Rotating Detonation Engines (RDE) replace deflagrative combustion with supersonic detonation shockwaves, promising a 25% jump in thermodynamic efficiency for orbital spaceplanes.
A revolutionary propulsion concept conceived during the mid-20th century has made its historic first flight. A prototype atmospheric drone powered by a Rotating Detonation Rocket Engine (RDRE) completed a five-minute supersonic test flight, proving the stability of continuous detonation waves in an annular combustion chamber.
Supersonic Pressure-Gain Combustion
Unlike traditional jet or rocket engines that burn fuel through subsonic deflagration, RDEs channel fuel and oxidizer into supersonic detonation waves traveling at thousands of meters per second. This creates massive pressure gains without heavy compressors or turbine blades, drastically reducing launch costs.
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