Rostec foresees pulse detonation engine benefits
A pulse detonation engine could increase aircraft range and payload capacity by up to 1.5 times, says Rostec. (Photo: Rostec)
The developer of a Russian pulse detonation engine demonstrator claims that initial tests show an improvement in specific thrust compared to conventional engines.
Rostec announced on 9 April that the A Lyulki Design Bureau in its United Engine Corporation (UEC) subsidiary has completed initial tests of a pulse detonation engine demonstrator.
UEC eyes potential future applications for this type of engine in supersonic and hypersonic aircraft.
Pulse detonation engines use supersonic detonation waves as a combustion mechanism. One major advantage of this method (noted by NASA) is that pulse detonation engines do not require an expensive turbopump to boost the fuel and oxidiser to extremely high pressure.
Rostec claimed its pulse detonation engine has a more efficient thermodynamic cycle than currently operated gas turbine engines. It added that initial tests of the demonstrator powerplant showed an increase of up to 50% in specific thrust compared to conventional engines.
‘This will prospectively increase the maximum range and payload mass of aircraft by 1.3-1.5 times,’ Rostec noted.
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
-
![Why small guns have been critical to layered CUAS architectures]()
Why small guns have been critical to layered CUAS architectures
Multiple countries have been deploying small arms as the last line of drone defence due to their multiple operational and tactical advantages.
-
![Singapore Airshow 2026: ST Engineering hints at export success for AME assault rifle family]()
Singapore Airshow 2026: ST Engineering hints at export success for AME assault rifle family
The Singapore-based technology company unveiled its new rifle family at this week’s airshow. Chen Chuanren spoke with the ST Engineering’s head of small arms to find out more about how the weapons have been refined.
-
![High tension in the High North – a wake-up call for NATO’s future Arctic defence efforts?]()
High tension in the High North – a wake-up call for NATO’s future Arctic defence efforts?
Any potential ‘Arctic Sentry’ mission would be months in the planning, but with tensions high in the region given the US’s push for Greenland, NATO countries will need to continue to emphasise their commitment to the region, analysts have said.
-
![Venezuela prepares personnel and equipment for a potential second US attack]()
Venezuela prepares personnel and equipment for a potential second US attack
Defence Minister Gen Vladimir Padrino López has declared that the Venezuelan armed forces “will continue to employ all its available capabilities for military defence”.
-
![As the new year starts, the UK defence spending delay continues]()
As the new year starts, the UK defence spending delay continues
The UK’s defence spending commitments remain uncertain as the government’s Defence Investment Plan, which had been due by the end of 2025, is yet to be published.
