WHAT IS A ROTATING DETONATION ENGINE AND WHAT COULD IT MEAN FOR AVIATION?
Alex Hollings | October 24, 2022
Rotating detonation engines (RDEs) have been the subject of theory and speculation for decades, but have yet to cross from theory to practical application. But now, it looks as though these exotic propulsion systems are about to make the leap into operational platforms.
In theory, a rotating detonation engine promises to be much more efficient than traditional jet engines, potentially providing missile applications a serious boost in range and speed. That could also mean fielding smaller weapons capable of achieving the same speeds and ranges as today’s missiles.
In aircraft applications like jet fighters, rotating detonation engines could offer similar benefits to missiles in terms of range and speed while potentially reducing maintenance requirements. Fighters, in particular, rely on afterburners, which effectively firehose fuel into the engine’s exhaust stream for added thrust. This rapidly depletes fuel stores and reduces the fighter’s range. RDEs could potentially allow for a similar boost in thrust with a dramatically reduced fuel penalty.
https://www.sandboxx.us/blog/what-is-a-rotating-detonation-engine-and-what-could-it-mean-for-aviation/
