Supersonic, Rocket-Powered Aircraft Receives Green Light to Break Sound Barrier
New Zealand-based Dawn Aerospace has been granted approval to push the boundaries of aviation with its revolutionary rocket-powered aircraft, designed to break the sound barrier. The company’s Mk-II Aurora has received the green light from New Zealand’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to achieve speeds beyond the sound barrier at altitudes of up to 80,000 feet.
The Aurora is touted by Dawn Aerospace as “an aircraft with the performance of a rocket.” It is engineered to reach the Kármán line—approximately 100 kilometers above Earth, marking the boundary of space—twice in a single day. This ambitious capability positions the Aurora as a potential pioneer in supersonic, uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs).
Stefan Powell, CEO of Dawn Aerospace, expressed enthusiasm about the development: “This clearance allows us to hit a major performance milestone with the Mk-II vehicle. As far as we know, this would be the first privately-funded uncrewed aerial vehicle to break the sound barrier.”
Dawn Aerospace’s Mk-II Aurora follows in the footsteps of the now-retired Concorde, the only supersonic airliner ever to operate commercially. Unlike Concorde, which was developed by manufacturers that have since ceased operations, the Aurora is focused on space transportation rather than passenger service. The Aurora will pave the way for the next generation of high-speed flight and space access.
The Mk-II Aurora made its inaugural flight in 2021 and has since completed over 50 test flights using both jet and rocket propulsion. The latest flight, in 2023, reached speeds of 200 knots at an altitude of 9,000 feet, albeit under a more restrictive license than the one just granted.
The upcoming test campaign will feature approximately a dozen flights between July and September, with the goal of reaching Mach 1.1—supersonic speed—at 70,000 feet. The tests aim to demonstrate the Aurora’s ability to achieve spaceflight twice daily and spend up to 180 seconds in microgravity.
Should these objectives be met, Dawn Aerospace expects to set new records for speed, altitude, and climb rate in self-powered aircraft. The Aurora’s achievements will be a significant milestone for the firm, which primarily focuses on manufacturing propulsion systems for satellites, boasting 76 thrusters currently in space.
Dawn’s ultimate vision extends beyond the Aurora, with plans to develop the Mk-III—a more robust, two-stage-to-orbit model. This vehicle is designed to deploy a 250-kilogram satellite from the edge of space.
The Mk-II Aurora features storable, aircraft-friendly propellants, ensuring efficient and environmentally friendly operations. The engine design is carbon neutral, avoiding hydrocarbons during combustion. Additionally, the aircraft’s winged design enhances safety by reducing the risk of engine failure, which is crucial for maintaining reusability.
Previously, the company completed eight hours of flight time with its jet-powered Mk-I across 47 flights. Following CAA approval for rocket-powered flight in March 2023, the Mk-II has undertaken three rocket-powered flights in just over a year, demonstrating the vehicle’s potential for high-speed and high-altitude performance.
Looking ahead, Dawn Aerospace aims to leverage the Aurora for various applications, including Earth observation, high-speed flight research, in-space science, and potential civil and defense uses. Interest in a commercial version of the Mk-II is already growing, positioning Dawn Aerospace at the forefront of advanced aerospace technology.
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, flyingmag.com