GE Aerospace demonstrates new hypersonic ramjets with rotating detonation combustion

GE Aerospace announced today the successful demonstration of two distinct rotating detonation combustion (RDC) engines at its Aerospace Research Center in Niskayuna, New York: a missile-scale ramjet and a dual-mode ramjet for high-speed aircraft. This achievement – which could enable high-speed flight and extended range across numerous multi-mission platforms – represents the latest milestone in GE Aerospace’s diverse portfolio of hypersonic propulsion programs.

The test campaign exceeded expectations, demonstrating robust operation and a threefold (3X) increase in engine airflow compared to previously flight-tested (legacy) hypersonic technology demonstrators.

“We’ve proven that GE Aerospace’s rotating detonation combustion designs are scalable,” said Mark Rettig, vice president & general manager of Edison Works Business & Technology Development at GE Aerospace. “In just 10 months, our team advanced from its legacy ramjet to a 3X scale demonstrator with RDC. This rapid progress underscores the maturity of our technology and the strength of our roadmap toward integrated high-speed propulsion solutions.”

RDC enables higher thrust, and improved efficiency at a smaller engine size and weight by combusting fuel and air through detonation waves instead of the traditional deflagration combustion used in ramjets engines today. Testing of the latest engines began in July at GE Aerospace’s continuous flow, high-speed propulsion facility.

The successful development and testing were made possible through collaboration between GE Aerospace engineers, GE Aerospace-Innoveering – a company acquired by GE Aerospace in 2022 specializing in hypersonic propulsion – and the GE Aerospace Research Center. These recent tests also come on the heels of the 2024 testing of a hypersonic dual-mode ramjet that went from concept to test in less than 11 months.

GE Aerospace’s Edison Works is an advanced design, engineering, and technology organization within the company dedicated to developing the next generation of defense propulsion and systems. With a focus on rapid prototyping, digital engineering, and groundbreaking innovation, Edison Works is where GE Aerospace pushes the boundaries of what’s possible to define the future of flight.