Chinese scientists have once again innovated a new technology—and not just any technology, but an extraordinary new engine that could improve rotating detonation engines. It could have profound implications for the global economy and our national security.

Specifically, this invention could have serious impacts on China’s quest to become the dominant hypersonic weapons power in the world—not just in terms of military hypersonic capabilities, but even possibly creating hypersonic aircraft for civilian uses.

What is It? 

It’s called a “Ram Rotor Detonation Engine” (RRDE). This hybrid engin  fuses elements of both ramjet and pulse detonation engines (PDEs). Conventional combustion engines use flame propagation for burning fuel. The Ram Rotor Detonation Engine, however, utilizes detonation to create a supersonic combustion wave that will result in a more efficient engine and greater thrust.

The proposed engine operates on a continuous cycle that includes four main phases. The first is air intake wherein air enters the engine at extremely high speeds (like a ramjet), compressing that air (the ram effect of “ramjet”). 

Next is fuel injection and mixing. Fuel is injected into the compressed air, creating combustion.

All this is set up for the actual detonation wave. This is where the RRDE significantly differs from PDEs, because RRDEs use a rotating detonation chamber. RRDEs have multiple detonation tubes arrayed in a radial pattern around a central hub. As the detonation wave travels around the roto, it continuously ignites new fuel-air mixtures.

Finally, there’s the exhaust. The high-pressure, high-velocity gases exit through a nozzle, creating thrust for the vehicle employing this unique and innovative engine. 

The technology is not without drawbacks and the Chinese are not the only group working on similar technology. Multiple academic institutions, such as research labs affiliated with NASA, an assortment of private aerospace firms, and researchers at the University of Central Florida, as well as the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), are all dedicating resources and manpower to being the first to create an RRDE engine.

The AFRL is a core linkage between the civilian and military realms and their interest helps explains why China is so interested in the technology.

The Geopolitical Implications 

In regard to the military applications of the RRDE system, if the Chinese can make it work before anyone else can, it will allow for high-speed, high-maneuverability fighter jets where thrust-to-weight ratio and speed are crucial. 

This technology could also be useful for spacecraft as a single-stage-to-orbit or upper stage engine; this technology’s efficiency at high speeds could reduce the fuel mass fraction (and cut down on the onerous operational costs).

An RRDE would enable both military and commercial hypersonic flight. This tech could even be applied to missiles, thereby enhancing the speed and range of those missiles.

The RRDE is still experimental. But it is a quantum leap forward in the development of robust and durable hypersonic systems, both in the civilian and military realms. Americans should be concerned that Chinese is out innovating them in yet another aspect of critical hypersonic technology, especially since China, like Russian, is already so far ahead of the United States in terms of practical hypersonic weapons applications.

About the Author

Brandon J. Weichert, a National Interest national security analyst, is a former Congressional staffer and geopolitical analyst who is a contributor at The Washington Times, the Asia Times, and The-Pipeline. He is the author of Winning Space: How America Remains a Superpower, Biohacked: China’s Race to Control Life, and The Shadow War: Iran’s Quest for Supremacy. His next book, A Disaster of Our Own Making: How the West Lost Ukraine, is available for purchase wherever books are sold. Weichert can be followed via Twitter @WeTheBrandon.