GE Aerospace Makes History With First Flight of Solid Fuel Ramjet Propulsion
GE Aerospace has made history with the first flight demonstration of solid fuel ramjet (SFRJ) propulsion technology. The tests, part of the Atmospheric Test of Launched Airbreathing System (ATLAS) project, were funded by the Department of War under Title III of the Defense Production Act.
The ATLAS Flight Test Vehicle was carried aloft on a Starfighters F-104 aircraft and successfully reached supersonic speeds during the test campaign. This marked a significant milestone in scaling up air-breathing propulsion technology, as the tests validated the key performance capabilities of solid fuel ramjets during flight. These insights will be crucial for future systems.
GE Aerospace's successful flight tests of the ATLAS project demonstrate the potential of solid fuel ramjet technology. The company has proven that these engines can operate effectively at high speeds, paving the way for further advancements in air-breathing propulsion systems.
