By GhanaNewsPage 
China’s New Hypersonic Engine Achieves Mach 16 in Groundbreaking Tests
China has made a significant leap in hypersonic propulsion technology with its latest Oblique Detonation Engine (ODE), which has demonstrated the capability to reach speeds of Mach 16 during recent tests.
The cutting-edge engine, which runs on standard aviation kerosene, was successfully tested at the JF-12 shock tunnel in Beijing—marking a major milestone in the development of high-speed aerospace technology.
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Revolutionary Performance Beyond Scramjets
Unlike conventional scramjet engines, which struggle to operate beyond Mach 6, the ODE’s advanced detonation process enables combustion rates up to 1,000 times faster, vastly increasing efficiency and thrust potential.
The engine’s operational range spans between Mach 6 and Mach 16, pushing the limits of air-breathing propulsion and paving the way for next-generation hypersonic aircraft and weapons.
Key Test Achievements
During the recent trials, the ODE sustained a Mach 9 flight condition for approximately 150 meters (492 feet). The main limitation was not the engine itself, but the 50-millisecond runtime of the test tunnel. Despite this short window, researchers were able to collect vital data on ignition stability, thrust output, and fuel efficiency at extreme speeds.
At its peak performance, the engine showcased even greater thrust potential, reinforcing its viability for long-range hypersonic applications.
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This breakthrough brings China closer to its ambitious goal of developing a Mach 16 aircraft by 2030 and strengthens its efforts in advancing hypersonic military capabilities, including next-generation missiles, drones, and reconnaissance platforms.
With this successful test, China has positioned itself at the forefront of hypersonic propulsion technology, edging closer to the realization of ultra-fast, air-breathing vehicles capable of redefining air and space travel.
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