Superfast drone fitted with new 'rotating detonation rocket engine' approaches the speed of sound

[Admin]

The experimental fusion reactor sustained temperatures of 180 million degrees Fahrenheit for a record-breaking 48 seconds.

Superfast drone fitted with new 'rotating detonation rocket engine' approaches the speed of sound : Read more

 

[Classical Motion]

I like it. Digital acceleration.

But a supersonic drone is scary. For it masks the drone's weakness. It's noise.

 

[mossman]

Maybe I'm mistaken, but surely a "detonation wave continuously rotating" means this has no discrete detonations at all - i.e. it will sound like any other rocket engine. The detonation is - by design - perpetually spiralling inside the engine, so the exhaust and thrust (and noise) will be constant.

 

[Classical Motion]

"The fuel, hydrogen peroxide, is injected into the annulus and the repeated detonations become self-sustaining after the initial ignition."

You might be right and I may have misunderstood the article. It reminded me of a switching power supply.

Intermittent switching of the potential source,(present and non-present), resulting in a continuous regulated output. Only with much more control and response, with a quick switch. And more efficiently.

Regardless, a super sonic drone will require very smart and expensive defenses.

 

[Mergatroid]

These engines would be perfect for military drones that may be "use once" so no worries about engine wear.

 

[Classical Motion]

They might be able to print them.

 

[shaneashby]

The experimental fusion reactor sustained temperatures of 180 million degrees Fahrenheit for a record-breaking 48 seconds.

Superfast drone fitted with new 'rotating detonation rocket engine' approaches the speed of sound : Read more

This appears to be an error. I assume the bit about fusion is being inserted by mistake because of an error on the site?

 

[Classical Motion]

I've seen that twice recently. Maybe a new guy? Maybe a software upgrade?