A new hypersonic aircraft engine has been unveiled in China, developed by specialists from the Northwestern Polytechnical University in Xi’an. The engine, named Sodramjet, represents a technological leap in the field of ultra-fast aerospace propulsion, reports the Baltimore Chronicle citing Farmingdale Observer.
What makes this engine unique is its ability to sustain speeds exceeding 16,000 km/h (approximately 5 km/s). Its design combines elements of scramjet (supersonic combustion ramjet) technology with modern rocket engineering. According to the developers, Sodramjet operates without any moving parts, which significantly reduces the risk of mechanical failure under extreme conditions.
During testing, the engine demonstrated stable performance at hypersonic speeds. Its aerodynamic stability and operational efficiency were confirmed through trials conducted in a high-speed wind tunnel. Chinese engineers claim that this type of propulsion system could be employed in both military aviation and the development of next-generation ultra-fast transport.
The engine’s development was part of an ongoing research initiative that has spanned several years. One of its primary objectives is to create systems capable of functioning at speeds far beyond the limits of today’s aircraft. Experts believe that Sodramjet could become the foundational platform for future hypersonic planes and unmanned aerial vehicles.
Earlier we wrote about U.S. considers sanctions against China’s COMAC over C919 aircraft.