According to SCMP , on December 17, China conducted its first test flight of a jet engine designed for its supersonic commercial aircraft, capable of taking passengers from Beijing to New York in just two hours.
This engine is called Jindouyun or JinDou400, named after the "cloud somersault" that Sun Wukong used in the classic novel Journey to the West.
The "Cloud Somersault" engine used in China's supersonic passenger aircraft. (Photo: SCMP)
Lingkong Tianxing Technology, the engine developer, said the "Cloud Somersault" uses combustion technology and has a modular, compact design. During test flights, the engine reached a speed of 5,000 km/h, equivalent to Mach 4 (four times the speed of sound), at an altitude of over 20,000 meters.
"The engine has significant commercial potential in the field of high-speed flight in near-space environments," the Beijing-based company said in a statement.
Unlike rocket engines or traditional jet engines, explosive jet engines generate thrust by using the shock wave from the combustion process to compress the incoming air, eliminating the need for compressors and turbine components. This simplifies the structure, improves the thrust-to-weight ratio, and reduces costs.
Despite its compact size – less than 30 cm in diameter and less than 3 m in length – the "Cloud Somersault" provides an impressive thrust of approximately 400 kg.
Lingkong Tianxing said: "This test flight has provided crucial engine performance data, confirming core systems including fuel supply, electrical system and control."
The test also demonstrated the engine's stability and reliability, marking a significant milestone in its development from prototype to finished product.
The "Cloud Somersault" engine, which uses jet propulsion technology, completed its test flight on December 17. (Photo: SCMP)
The successful test flight is a crucial step in the development of Lingkong Tianxing's Yunxing supersonic passenger aircraft.
A prototype of this aircraft completed its test flight in late October, evaluating the effectiveness of key technologies including aerodynamics, heat resistance, and control systems.
The company aims to have a fully functional supersonic passenger aircraft by 2027, with the first commercial flight for its high-speed transport service expected in 2030.
On December 9th, Lingkong Tianxing released a video announcing the completion of key ground tests and revealing some design details.
The video shows the engine's modular structure, supported by 3D printing technology, allowing for faster and more adaptable assembly. The company also stated that it has balanced performance requirements with cost when moving to mass production.
Source: https://vtcnews.vn/nguoi-trung-quoc-tao-ra-can-dau-van-san-xuat-may-bay-sieu-thanh-cho-khach-ar914465.html
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