Rolls-Royce invests in hypersonic engine developer
Reaction Engines and Rolls-Royce have formed a strategic partnership to develop hypersonic propulsion systems for the commercial and military sectors.
Rolls-Royce will invest £20 million into Reaction Engines, which already numbers BAE Systems and Boeing among its shareholders.
Reaction has developed a Synergetic Air Breathing Rocket Engine (SABRE – pictured) as a hypersonic pre-cooled hybrid air-breathing rocket engine.
The two companies are already cooperating in the UK on the development of hypersonic propulsion systems for the MoD.
Mark Thomas, chief executive of Reaction Engines, said: ‘This strategic partnership is about developing market-ready applications for Reaction Engines’ technology in next-generation engines and is a significant step forward for our technology commercialisation plans.’
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
More from Defence Notes
-
US speeds up B61-13 nuclear bomb production as programme moves further ahead of schedule
The US government plans to accelerate production even further after achieving key B61-13 milestones months ahead of schedule, as the programme advances amid growing US-China strategic competition.
-
Canada’s C$2 billion ACSV deal reinforces new defence industrial strategy as allies align
General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada is the country’s first strategic partner under the Defence Industrial Strategy’s Strategic Partnership Framework, an effort to provide companies with confidence to invest and boost the defence labour force.
-
New UK armed forces minister frames High North defence as vital to “homeland security”
The UK’s Minister for the Armed Forces Louise Sandher-Jones made her first appearance in the role before the House of Commons Defence Committee this week to highlight efforts to improve capability in the High North.
-
Canada seeks to strengthen industrial ties with the US on classified programmes
Ottawa explores expanding defence-industrial cooperation with Washington into sensitive programmes, an approach that could reshape NORAD modernisation, strengthen North American supply chains and create new opportunities for defence contractors.