Researchers at GE Aerospace’s Global Research Center in Niskayuna, New York, have announced the successful testing of a new dual-mode hypersonic ramjet engine. This breakthrough represents a significant milestone, as development from design to test was completed in less than 11 months. The new engine promises to dramatically increase the thrust and range of hypersonic aerospace platforms for both military and commercial purposes.
“The rapid progression from design to test underscores our commitment to driving innovation in hypersonic technologies,” said Amy Gowder, president and CEO of Defense and Systems at GE Aerospace. Gowder emphasized that this milestone not only showcases the team’s talent and dedication, but also reaffirms GE Aerospace’s position as a leader in the pursuit of hypersonic flight.
A conventional ramjet engine takes advantage of the high-speed airflow entering the front of the engine to generate large amounts of thrust, working efficiently at supersonic speeds where typical turbofan engines fail. Ramjets that operate above the speed of sound are sometimes called scramjets. GE Aerospace’s dual-mode hypersonic ramjet system combines this technology with rotary detonation combustion (RDC), an advanced form of power generation. In RDC engines, combustion is carried out by detonation waves, unlike the methods used in conventional aircraft engines.
The combination of these technologies can theoretically generate thrust at speeds that reach or exceed Mach 5, approximately 4,000 miles per hour, classifying these speeds as hypersonic.
Previously, building an efficient ramjet at supersonic and hypersonic speeds has faced significant obstacles. A normal dual-mode ramjet only operates efficiently above Mach 3. However, GE Aerospace engineers, with years of experience in RDC engines, have developed a dual-mode engine that can operate at speeds lower than Mach 3 and higher than Mach 5. In addition, GE Aerospace has been working on the development of high-temperature materials and electronics to withstand the harsh conditions of hypersonic flight. This work includes advances in high-temperature ceramic matrix composites, silicon carbide power electronics, fuel additive technologies and other areas related to successful operation in high-temperature conditions.
“The highly successful demonstration of a DMRJ with the RDC is a result of more than 10 years of work at the RDC, including the strategic acquisition of Innoveering, which brought cutting-edge technologies and expertise in hypersonic propulsion and ramjets,” explained Gowder, highlighting the acquisition of the hypersonic engineering and high-speed propulsion company, Innoveering, in 2022.
The recent tests, which began in March, were carried out at the company’s high-speed propulsion test facility in Evendale, OH, where the new ramjet was evaluated in various simulated supersonic airflow environments. All tests were successful, with the engine demonstrating dramatically greater airflow than previous ramjet engines. “The tests showed promising results,” explained GE Aerospace, ”exceeding performance expectations and demonstrating robust operation of a dual-mode ramjet with a three times (3X) increase in airflow compared to previously flight-tested hypersonic technology demonstrators.”
Mark Rettig, vice president and general manager of Business Development and Technology at Edison Works, GE Aerospace, pointed out that the successful development and demonstration of GE’s technologies positions the company to provide differentiated hypersonic propulsion systems for its customers now and in the future. “We have brought together the right expertise, with the right capabilities, and invested strategically to ensure that we are aligned very closely with our customers’ needs,” Rettig added. “The significant results we have had so far give us confidence that we are moving in the right direction.”
Future development of the new dual-mode ramjet will focus on reducing engine operating speed and improving RDC/Ramjet efficiency. “The robust performance of the technology paves the way for the next phase of development,” said Rettig, ”which will focus on continued testing and technology demonstration in alignment with our roadmap for integrated high-speed propulsion solutions.”
