A plane that travels around the world in 2 hours: China is developing an engine that reaches the extreme speed of 12,427 mph.

China has unveiled a revolutionary hypersonic engine capable of propelling aircraft to a breathtaking speed of 20,000 km/h. This major technological advance could revolutionise the world of air transport and have far-reaching implications for the military.

An engine with two faces

Beijing has unveiled a revolutionary hypersonic engine. Propelling aircraft at 20,000 km/h, it represents a major advance in aeronautical technology. The secret of this engine lies in its ability to operate in two distinct modes. Up to Mach 7, it uses rotary detonation, a process that maximises energy efficiency. This process is similar to a supersonic combustion cycle in which air is compressed and ignited in a cylindrical chamber, generating a detonation wave that propagates in a spiral. This technique makes it possible to harness the energy released more efficiently and achieve greater speed

Above this speed, it switches to oblique detonation, a complex technique that guarantees much greater stability and efficiency. This technique uses an inclined intake manifold to compress the air before igniting it. The detonation then occurs obliquely, generating greater thrust and greater stability at hypersonic speeds.

Imagine a world where a trip from Paris to New York took just two hours, where London and Beijing were only an hour’s flight apart, and where Buenos Aires and Madrid were only three hours away. China’s hypersonic engine is paving the way for a future in which distances will disappear and the world will shrink visibly.

Powerful aircraft equals Army

The potential of this technology is not limited to civil transport. There are numerous military applications, with the development of hypersonic missiles and combat aircraft capable of thwarting traditional defence systems and revolutionising military strategy.

The advent of hypersonic aviation also poses major geopolitical challenges. The race for technology between the major powers, notably the United States, China and Russia, is intensifying, with potential implications for international stability and security.

Many questions remain about the future of hypersonic aviation. The large-scale viability of the Chinese engine remains to be proven, and the technical and economic challenges are numerous. Environmental issues and the risks of a hypersonic arms race should not be overlooked either. The future of hypersonic aviation is still uncertain. Many technical, economic and environmental challenges remain to be overcome. However, the potential of this technology is immense and it is likely to play a major role in tomorrow’s world. The development of the Chinese hypersonic engine is a major technological breakthrough that paves the way for a fascinating future full of promise. However, it is important to approach this new era with caution and responsibility.