A revolutionary hypersonic jet, capable of flying from London to New York in just over an hour, is set to take to the skies for its initial test flight in 2025. Developed by startup engineering company Venus Aerospace, this futuristic aircraft will reach astonishing speeds of up to Mach 6 (3,600 mph/5,795 km/h), which is six times the speed of sound. According to a report by MetroThe Venus Detonation Ramjet 2000 lb thrust engine, or VDR2, is the powerhouse behind this breakthrough, enabling hypersonic flight.
In partnership with aerospace company Velontra, Venus Aerospace plans to conduct a test flight next year, paving the way for a “high-speed flight economy.” Unlike conventional aircraft, this hypersonic jet will fly higher than conventional aircraft, using conventional jet engines for takeoff before transitioning to rocket propulsion at altitude. Although not technically able to reach the edge of space, travelers will still get breathtaking views of the curvature of the Earth and the darkness of space above.
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New engine unveiled in Up. “This engine makes hypersonic economics a reality,” said Andrew Duggleby, co-founder of Venus Aerospace at Summit. Given their expertise in high-speed air combustion, we are excited to partner with Velontra to achieve this revolution in high-speed flight.”
“We can’t wait to dig in, fly the first one, and finally perfect an engine concept that has mostly been in textbooks but never in the air as a production unit,” said Eric Briggs, chief operating officer of Velontra. I have not been there. We can’t think of a better partner than Venus. Pioneers of rocketry in their own right, and ready to tackle tough problems, we look forward to flying with them on the same path.”
The hypersonic aviation landscape is heating up, with multiple players racing to develop revolutionary aircraft. Sierra Space and Hermes are also joining Venus Aerospace in the pursuit of Mach 6-capable aircraft. Meanwhile, China’s Space Transportation is working on “winged rockets” for space tourism and intercity travel.
These innovative aircraft will transform the flying experience, delivering unprecedented speed and efficiency. However, challenges remain, such as managing sonic boom noise and ensuring safety.
