Can new hypersonic engine revolutionise air travel?
The Independent|October 11, 2024
An aerospace company has unveiled a new hypersonic engine that it says marks a “major breakthrough” in high-speed flight. The Texas-based Venus Aerospace – in conjunction with aircraft maker Velontra – has announced it is producing an advanced propulsion engine that could power high-speed vehicles, including drones and aircraft.
AMELIA NEATH
Can new hypersonic engine revolutionise air travel?

Hypersonic technology is not a new phenomenon – it has been used in ballistic missiles, space expeditions, as well as Nasa’s experimental X-planes. However, the introduction of hypersonic travel into commercial flights has yet to get off the ground, whereas supersonic ventures such as the Concorde have made it into the air but not flown since 2003.

The company hopes that the Venus Detonation Ramjet 2,000lb Thrust Engine, also known as VDR2, will enable vehicles to travel long distances at high altitudes, all while achieving Mach speeds – a measure of the speed of sound.

This story is from the October 11, 2024 edition of The Independent.

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This story is from the October 11, 2024 edition of The Independent.

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