Rotating Detonation Engines Are Emerging Priority For U.S. Air Force

Guy Norris September 09, 2020
rotating detonation engine illustration
Air enters the RDE inlet and as it passes the isolator, it mixes with fuel injected in a sequential, circular manner and ignited at the detonation annulus. The notional detonation wave front is indicated in red.
Credit: USAF/AFRL
With a technology development portfolio ranging from attritable engines to distributed propulsion, the Advanced Turbine Technology for Affordable Mission (ATTAM) capabilities initiative is a bellwether for future programs and an inside guide to the Pentagon’s propulsion priority list. Pressure-gain...
Guy Norris

Guy is a Senior Editor for Aviation Week, covering technology and propulsion. He is based in Colorado Springs.

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