US tests supersonic drone with hypersonic future to challenge China

Venus Aerospace has reported successfully testing its rotating detonation engine (RDE) on a small drone over the United States. Conducted on February 24, the drone flew at subsonic speed for over 10 miles (16 km), proving the technology.

The new engine promises hypersonic travel, rivaling efforts from other nations like China.

RDEs offer high thermodynamic efficiencies and compact design, making them promising for propulsion and energy systems in the future. For this reason, various nations are working hard to develop them.