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
-
![US, Canada advance with over-the-horizon radar programmes to close NORAD surveillance gaps]()
US, Canada advance with over-the-horizon radar programmes to close NORAD surveillance gaps
Washington and Ottawa’s Arctic and homeland radar initiatives aim to strengthen early warning against cruise missiles, hypersonic weapons and long-range aerospace threats approaching North America.
-
![The speed of relevance: how companies can navigate the new era of European defence procurement]()
The speed of relevance: how companies can navigate the new era of European defence procurement
European militaries face a rapidly evolving security landscape and defence production must accelerate to meet surging demand for platforms and equipment. Industry needs to adapt to ensure it gets its products into the hands of the end user, Evelyn Rafferty, Senior Director Aerospace and Defence - Europe at Plexus told Shephard’s Gerrard Cowan.
-
![Delays, departures and drama cloud UK defence programmes ahead of absent DIP]()
Delays, departures and drama cloud UK defence programmes ahead of absent DIP
The UK defence secretary’s departure suggests that the long-delayed Defence Investment Plan is unlikely to meet the funding demands of the armed forces, with consequences for procurement and the UK’s standing at a NATO summit weeks away.
