GE Unveils Latest Hypersonic Propulsion Project

GE Aerospace is developing a new type of hypersonic vehicle or missile that combines rotating detonation engine (RDE) combustors for a turbine engine with a dual-mode ramjet/scramjet. The RDE component aims to offer a more efficient approach to a turbine-based combined cycle propulsion system than traditional turbine engines. The project is being supported by DARPA, the Air Force Research Laboratory and the Missile Defense Agency. GE recently acquired Innoveering LLC, a small company that specialized in advanced hypersonic propulsion technology.