Chinese scientists change the rules with a new engine that reaches 12,000 mph: New York to London in one hour?

Chinese scientists from the Chinese Academy of Sciences have developed a groundbreaking hypersonic engine capable of reaching speeds up to Mach 16 (approximately 12,000 mph) - potentially revolutionising air and space travel.

As reported by the South China Morning Post, the innovation utilises an oblique detonation engine (ODE) powered by RP-3 kerosene, something that could theoretically enable transatlantic flights in just two minutes.

The ODE functions by harnessing shock waves to create self-sustaining “detonation diamonds,” significantly enhancing combustion efficiency. A strategically placed 5mm device within the combustion chamber initiates these detonations.

Tests conducted in Beijing’s JF-12 shock tunnel, simulating altitudes up to 40 km, demonstrated combustion rates 1,000 times higher than current technologies and pressure peaks 20 times above ambient levels.

The use of standard RP-3 kerosene, known for its accessibility and cost-effectiveness, underscores the engine’s potential for practical application. If stabilised and refined, this technology could drastically reduce intercontinental travel times and advance reusable space vehicle missions.

While challenges remain, such as managing extreme heat and ensuring structural integrity at high speeds, the successful demonstration of the ODE marks a significant step toward a new era of rapid, efficient, and accessible air and space travel.

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