GE Aerospace Achieves Breakthrough in Supersonic Ramjet Technology with ATLAS Tests

GE Aerospace has achieved a significant milestone in propulsion technology with the successful completion of supersonic captive carry flight tests for its Atmospheric Test of Launched Airbreathing System (ATLAS) Flight Test Vehicle. Conducted at Florida's Kennedy Space Center, these tests mark the first in-flight demonstration of the company's solid fuel ramjet (SFRJ) technology.

The ATLAS project, funded by the Department of War under Title III of the Defense Production Act, aims to enhance air-breathing propulsion systems to extend the range and responsiveness of munitions. The recent test campaign involved three flights, each reaching supersonic speeds, with the ATLAS vehicle carried aloft by a Starfighters F-104 aircraft.

Solid fuel ramjets are air-breathing engines that utilize solid propellants to produce thrust. They are known for their simplicity and efficiency, particularly at high speeds, making them suitable for applications requiring compact mechanisms for supersonic travel. The successful demonstration of SFRJ technology in flight represents a pivotal moment for GE Aerospace, showcasing potential enhancements in speed, range, and responsiveness for future systems.

These tests are part of GE Aerospace's broader investments in advanced high-speed and hypersonic propulsion technologies. The company acquired Innoveering in 2022 to accelerate its hypersonics portfolio and announced significant test infrastructure upgrades earlier this year at its facilities in Evendale, Ohio; Bohemia, New York; and Niskayuna, New York. These enhancements are designed to enable higher-Mach, mission-relevant testing at a scale not previously possible.

The advancement in SFRJ propulsion technology has significant implications for both military and commercial aviation. For the military, it promises enhanced capabilities in terms of speed and range for munitions, potentially leading to more effective defense systems. For the commercial sector, the development of efficient high-speed propulsion systems could pave the way for faster air travel, reducing flight times and improving global connectivity.

GE Aerospace's successful supersonic flight tests of the ATLAS Flight Test Vehicle mark a significant milestone in the advancement of solid fuel ramjet propulsion technology. This achievement underscores the company's commitment to innovation in high-speed propulsion and holds promising implications for both military and commercial aviation sectors.