Hypersonic engine set for Mach 5 tests

recently completed fabrication of a hypersonic Ground Demonstration Engine (GDE-2) successfully completing a three-phase, nine-year, $58 million contract with the

(AFRL).

P&W says the GDE-2 is unique in that it features a variable geometry inlet and a bolted construction, simulating the configuration of a reusable access-to-space or global-reach propulsion system.

The GDE-2 is undergoing preparations for testing at NASA-Langley Research Center (LaRC). The first phase of the test program, which will evaluate the engine’s operation and performance at Mach 5 conditions, is scheduled to begin in October.

“GDE-2 is a fully integrated engine that will lead to advances in hypersonic flight systems,” said P&W’s Hydrocarbon Scramjet Engine Technology (HySET) Program Manager Denis Medwick. “This will be the first time a hydrocarbon-fuelled scramjet propulsion system, which includes a single integrated flow path, fuel control system, closed-loop thermal management system and a Full Authority Digital Engine Control, is tested at hypersonic conditions.”