Venus Aerospace introduced the new Venus Detonation Ramjet engine (VDR2) designed for hypersonic flights. The VDR2 engine appears as a simple empty pipe but is actually a highly advanced engine capable of propelling aircraft to speeds six times faster than the speed of sound (MAX 6). It utilizes rotating detonation technology to achieve high thrust and efficiency without the need for moving parts.
Hypersonic flights, exceeding MAX 5, require specialized technologies to maintain stable thrust. Current hypersonic systems are predominantly based on glider platforms that are initially accelerated by missiles to high speeds and altitudes before gliding back to Earth at even greater velocities. However, the goal of developing commercial aircraft capable of traveling, for instance, from San Francisco to Tokyo in just one hour necessitates engines based on jet engine principles rather than missile technology.
Recently showcased at the Up.Summit summit in Bentonville, Arkansas, the VDR2 engine is a simplified variation of the traditional Ramjet engine. Unlike traditional jet engines where air compression is achieved through rotating turbine blades, the VDR2 compresses air through the engine’s high-speed movement, simplifying the design while withstanding significantly higher temperatures critical for hypersonic flights where internal engine temperatures can reach up to 2130 °C, potentially melting conventional turbine blades.
Employing rotating detonation rocket engine technology, VDR2 offers higher efficiency compared to standard missile or jet engines. The engine injects a fuel-oxidizing mixture into the gap between two coaxial cylinders, igniting a detonation process that generates a supersonic shockwave. This process produces increased heat and pressure, enabling the engine to generate substantial thrust.
A collaboration with Velontra has resulted in a 15% efficiency improvement over traditional engines for VDR2. It is anticipated that VDR2 will enable aircraft to reach altitudes of up to 52,000 meters. The inaugural test flight for the new engine is scheduled for the upcoming year using an unmanned drone.