Articles tagged with "propulsion-technology"
Scientists take first look inside one of world’s most extreme engines
Scientists at the US Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) have made a breakthrough in understanding solid-fuel ramjet (SFRJ) engines by using advanced optical diagnostic techniques to observe the internal combustion processes for the first time. SFRJs are air-breathing engines that use atmospheric oxygen instead of carrying an oxidizer, which can increase missile range by 200-300% within the same size. However, studying these engines has been challenging due to extreme heat, soot, and high-speed flows inside the combustor. The NRL team overcame these obstacles by precisely measuring flame temperatures, fuel regression rates, vapor transport, and decomposition products, providing new data that was previously unattainable with traditional probes. The researchers combined these experimental insights with high-fidelity computational simulations, such as Detached Eddy Simulation (DES) and Large Eddy Simulation (LES), to better capture the complex flow dynamics and chemical reactions inside the engine. This approach contrasts with earlier trial-and-error methods that lacked detailed understanding of the internal
energysolid-fuel-ramjetcombustion-efficiencypropulsion-technologyoptical-diagnosticsmissile-rangefuel-vapor-analysisUS firm tests solid rocket motor, propulsion tech for target vehicles
Northrop Grumman, a Virginia-based US firm, has successfully tested the first of two new solid rocket motors—SMASH!22 and BAMM!29 2.0—under its Solid Motor Annual Rocket Technology Demonstrator (SMART Demo) program. The SMASH!22, a 22-inch diameter motor, underwent a static test fire that incorporated advanced manufacturing techniques, new materials, and innovative processes aimed at speeding development, improving performance, and reducing costs. This test generated extensive data to enhance understanding of these novel technologies, which are the first of their kind in the solid rocket motor industry. The SMART Demo program is an annual initiative designed to develop, build, and test new solid rocket motors and associated tooling, focusing on technologies such as complex additively manufactured components and alternative manufacturing materials. The second motor, BAMM!29 2.0, a 29-inch diameter Bombardment Attack Missile Motor, is scheduled for static testing in early 2026. Northrop
energysolid-rocket-motorpropulsion-technologyadvanced-manufacturingadditive-manufacturingmaterials-scienceaerospace-engineeringRussia's 5th-gen turbofan engine promises supercruise for fighter jets
Russia has unveiled its new 177S fifth-generation turbofan engine, designed as an advanced evolution of the AL-31F/FP series currently used in the Su-27 family of fighters. Weighing 1,530 kg and delivering 14,500 kgf of afterburning thrust, the 177S maintains dimensional compatibility with its predecessor, enabling easy retrofitting of existing aircraft with minimal modifications. Key improvements include a reduced specific fuel consumption below 0.67 kg/kgf·h for extended range, a service life extended to 6,000 hours, and a fourfold increase in time between overhauls. The engine also features thrust-vectoring nozzles for enhanced maneuverability, a full-authority digital engine control system with backups, integrated health monitoring, and a new blisk fan resistant to foreign-object damage. The 177S is intended primarily for late-model Su-35S fighters, the Su-57 Felon, and the upcoming single-engine Su
energyaerospace-engineeringturbofan-enginefighter-jetspropulsion-technologyfuel-efficiencyadvanced-materialsStatic fire test of advanced solid rocket motor could help make lethal air-to-air weapon
Two American defense companies, Raytheon and Anduril, recently conducted a successful static fire test of an advanced solid rocket motor (SRM) featuring a Highly Loaded Grain (HLG) configuration. This test, part of a contract with the Air Force Research Laboratory Munitions Directorate, validated the performance of a heavy-wall SRM designed to enhance propulsion technology for air-to-air weapon systems. The HLG design, developed by Anduril using technology from Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake and supported technically by Raytheon, allows for significantly greater volumes of energetic propellant. This results in increased specific impulse and improved motor performance, translating into extended range and greater tactical advantages for U.S. and allied forces. Beyond the technical achievement, Raytheon emphasized that the test represents progress toward building a more robust and adaptable supply base for solid rocket motors to meet emerging national security needs. The collaboration with Anduril aligns with Raytheon’s composable weapons strategy, aiming to develop flexible missile
energysolid-rocket-motorpropulsion-technologyadvanced-materialsdefense-technologyrocket-manufacturingenergetic-propellantGE Aerospace demonstrates air-breathing supersonic ramjet engine tech
GE Aerospace has successfully completed three supersonic captive carry flight tests of its Atmospheric Test of Launched Airbreathing System (ATLAS) Flight Test Vehicle at Kennedy Space Center, marking a significant advancement in solid fuel ramjet (SFRJ) propulsion technology. Carried on a Starfighter F-104 aircraft, the ATLAS system reached supersonic speeds, validating the in-flight performance of solid fuel ramjets. Funded by the Pentagon under the Defense Production Act, this project aims to scale up air-breathing propulsion to extend the range and responsiveness of future munitions, with data from these tests informing next-generation high-speed systems. In addition to ATLAS, GE Aerospace demonstrated progress in rotating detonation combustion (RDC) technology at its Aerospace Research Center in Niskayuna, successfully testing missile-scale and dual-mode ramjet engines that showed a threefold increase in engine airflow compared to earlier demonstrators. RDC technology improves thrust and efficiency by using detonation waves for combustion
energyaerospaceramjetpropulsion-technologyhypersonic-enginesrotating-detonation-combustionsolid-fuel-ramjetUS firm to build fighter jet engines that deliver 40,000-lb thrust
Pratt & Whitney, a Connecticut-based firm, has secured a contract to produce Lot 18 of the F135 engines, which power all three variants of the F-35 Lightning II, a fifth-generation fighter aircraft. The F135 engine delivers over 40,000 pounds of thrust, making it the world’s most powerful fighter jet engine. It boasts advanced features such as low-observability, superior thermal management, and an integrated engine control system, providing a significant technological edge in modern combat scenarios. The engine’s design emphasizes reliability, ease of maintenance, and affordability, supported by a global sustainment network and advanced digital health monitoring. The F135 engine distinguishes itself from fourth-generation engines through enhanced power, thermal management, flight control integration, and signature management, enabling the F-35 to operate effectively in advanced anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) environments. This capability aligns with the U.S. National Defense Strategy by maintaining air superiority against adversaries. Pratt & Whitney highlights the
energyfighter-jet-enginespropulsion-technologyPratt-&-WhitneyF135-engineaerospace-engineeringmilitary-technologyTiny robot inspired by water striders skims across water at high speed
Researchers have uncovered the mechanism behind the remarkable speed and agility of Rhagovelia water striders, tiny insects that skim rapidly across turbulent streams. Unlike previous assumptions that their fan-like leg propellers were muscle-powered, the study found these ribbon-shaped fans open and close passively, driven by surface tension and elastic forces. This passive morphing enables a biomechanical duality—high flexibility during leg recovery and high rigidity during propulsion—allowing the insects to execute sharp turns and reach speeds up to 120 body lengths per second, rivaling the rapid movements of flying flies. Inspired by these biological insights, a multidisciplinary team from the University of California, Berkeley, Georgia Institute of Technology, and Ajou University developed an insect-sized robot named Rhagobot. Using high-resolution electron microscopy, they revealed the microstructure of the natural fans and engineered a one-milligram, self-deploying elastocapillary fan with a flat-ribbon shape that mimics the natural design. Integrated into the mic
robotbiomimicrymicro-roboticswater-striderpropulsion-technologybio-inspired-designagile-robotsCan Ship Design Stop Methane Emissions In Shallow Waters? - CleanTechnica
The article discusses a recent study from Communications Earth & Environment that highlights how ship traffic, particularly vessels traveling faster than 12 knots with hull drafts deeper than nine meters, can trigger significant methane emissions from organic-rich seabed sediments in shallow waters like Russia’s Neva Bay. This occurs due to the "squat effect," where the ship’s hull displaces water and creates a pressure drop beneath the vessel, causing methane bubbles trapped in sediments to be released into the atmosphere. The phenomenon is especially pronounced during warmer summer months when microbial activity increases methane production in sediments, and physical disturbances from ship movement prevent methane-consuming bacteria from oxidizing the gas effectively. While reducing ship speeds is a straightforward way to mitigate these emissions, the article explores alternative solutions involving ship design and propulsion technologies. Traditional large ferries with deep hull drafts and diesel engines connected to large propellers exacerbate the problem by generating significant pressure changes in shallow waters. Potential design improvements could focus on hull shapes and propulsion methods that minimize pressure fluctuations and sediment
energymethane-emissionsship-designhull-squat-effectpropulsion-technologymarine-engineeringenvironmental-impactUS firms to develop high-tech tiny engines for next-gen combat drones
robotdronesunmanned-systemspropulsion-technologydefense-technologycombat-aircraftaerospace