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Lockheed Martin has teamed up with GE Aerospace to complete engine tests in Niskayuna, New York, for the rotating detonation ramjet in hypersonic missiles.
These tests aimed to demonstrate how the compact, liquid-fuelled engines allow for fuel to disperse at stronger and more progressive rates, leading to the increased speed and overall efficiency of missiles with hypersonic capabilities.
“Following two years of internal investment, this demonstration is a testament to the power of collaboration, innovation and joint commitment to get affordable capability into the hands of warfighters at the speed of relevance,” said Randy Crites, vice president and general manager of advanced programs at Lockheed Martin.
“This compact ramjet applies Lockheed Martin’s expertise in ramjet inlets and offers extended range at extreme speeds.
Rotating detonation ramjets work by combusting fuel and air through detonation, generating greater thrust and hypersonic speeds. This allows for missiles to “engage high-value, time-sensitive targets, with a smaller engine size and weight that boosts range”.
“We’re committed to delivering a propulsion system that advances America’s hypersonic capability in an intensifying threat environment,” Crites added.
The ramjet features GE’s rotating detonation combustion system which will allow for hypersonic capabilities to “advance at a rapid pace”, according to Mark Rettig, vice president and general manager of its Edison Works Advanced Program.
“The testing on the rotating detonation ramjet and inlet exceeded expectations, and we are excited about this collaboration to continue maturing our advanced air-breathing hypersonic propulsion technologies.”
Lockheed Martin and GE Aerospace are set to continue collaborations on ramjet maturation in the new year.
