Reaction Engines has tested its precooler technology with an existing jet engine and achieved sustained Mach 3.5 operating conditions during ground testing.
Engineers at UK-based Reaction Engines integrated the precooler with a modified Rolls-Royce jet engine to simulate a propulsion system that could be used for an unpiloted, reusable high-Mach air vehicle concept to demonstrate its viability.
Running the test rig on the ground, they initially achieved sustained Mach 2.3 operating conditions, representing speeds faster than Concorde’s maximum operating speed. Engineers then ran the rig at Mach 3.5 pressures and temperatures, matching the maximum known airspeed record of the SR-71, the world’s fastest aircraft powered by an air-breathing engine.
Reaction Engines precooler technology uses Inconel 718 tubes arranged in an involute spiral inside a cylindrical drum to increase its heat transfer capabilities. The pre-cooler was originally developed to cool incoming air from more than 1,000°C to –150°C in less than 1/100th second for the company’s SABRE (synergetic air-breathing rocket engine).
SABRE would form an integral part of the company’s original goal to develop a propulsion system that would enable re-usable space plane capable of achieving Mach 25.
In addition to the pre-cooler, Reaction Engines is developing and testing novel high-Mach intake designs and technology for hypersonic capabilities. Hardware is currently being manufactured and assembled for a full-scale ground-based high-Mach thermomechanical test and sub-scale aerodynamic wind-tunnel testing is being undertaken to assess intake performance over a range of supersonic conditions.
Mark Thomas, CEO of Reaction Engines said, “As the world’s most advanced heat exchanger technology company, this significant milestone is a testament to our relentless efforts to develop novel, innovative, reusable and affordable propulsion systems for hypersonic air vehicles at pace. This capability is transferrable to thermal management solutions for multiple applications and mission profiles.”
Reaction Engines, which was founded in 1989 has also been attempting to apply the pre-cooler technology to other applications, such as an ammonia cracker reactor and as a way to boost the top speeds of US Air Force fighter jets.
The company, which already has Boeing, Rolls-Royce and BAE Systems as shareholders, has recently been seeking additional investment, according to reports.
