China Tests World’s First Jet Fuel-Powered Engine to Reach Mach 16

In a major breakthrough for hypersonic flight, China has announced that an engine it developed has demonstrated the ability to operate at Mach 16 in recent tests. Mach 16 speed is roughly equivalent to 12,276 miles per hour (19,756 km per hour).

The oblique detonation engine (ODE), which runs on common aviation kerosene, achieved this performance in a series of tests conducted at the JF-12 shock tunnel in Beijing. The JF-12 facility, one of the largest and most advanced of its kind in the world, is managed by the Institute of Mechanics at the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS).

A Leap in Hypersonic Propulsion

Scientists at CAS reported that they successfully sustained oblique detonation waves using RP-3 jet fuel. According to a report by the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the combustion rate achieved was 1,000 times faster than that of conventional scramjet engines. The engine demonstrated an operational capability between Mach 6 and Mach 16.

During testing, the engine maintained Mach 9 speeds for approximately 492 feet (150 meters). However, due to power constraints, the JF-12 wind tunnel allowed operations for only 50 milliseconds. Despite the brief duration, scientists gathered crucial data on ignition performance and key technologies at hypersonic speeds.

One of the significant advantages of the ODE is its 85% shorter combustor compared to conventional scramjet engines. Scientists believe this reduction in size could lower aircraft weight and extend flight range.

Unlike traditional scramjets, which face risks of flameout at extreme speeds, the ODE effectively utilizes shock waves to enhance combustion. The SCMP report noted that researchers placed a 5mm bump on the engine’s combustor wall, which helped induce a self-sustained shock wave-driven explosion, further improving efficiency.

Pre-Compressed Fuel for Enhanced Performance

To address ignition delays typically associated with RP-3 kerosene, the CAS team pre-compressed the fuel to 6,380°F (3,527°C) before testing. Additionally, wing-shaped struts were used to increase fuel spread speed, ensuring stable combustion.

This advancement is expected to play a crucial role in China’s ambition to develop an aircraft capable of traveling at Mach 16 by 2030. The breakthrough could also bolster the country’s hypersonic weapons, missile systems, and drone capabilities at a lower cost.

The Global Hypersonic Race

In 2023, Chinese scientists claimed to have developed the world’s most powerful hypersonic engine, capable of reaching Mach 16. At the time, they suggested that the air-breathing engine could carry an aircraft to altitudes of 18.6 miles (30 km) while sustaining hypersonic speeds.

Both Russia and the United States are actively developing advanced hypersonic technologies for military and aerospace applications. However, China’s rapid progress in this field suggests that it may soon unveil new and unexpected advancements in hypersonic propulsion.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, interestingengineering.com