GE Aerospace has confirmed that it has successfully completed captive flight testing at supersonic speeds of its solid-fueled ramjet system, part of the ATLAS (Atmospheric Test of Launched Airbreathing System) program.part of the Atmospheric Test of Launched Airbreathing System (ATLAS) program. The tests were conducted from a Starfighters F-104 aircraft at Kennedy Space Center, Florida.
ATLAS engine accelerates hypersonic propulsion development
During three flights performed as part of the test campaign, the system reached speeds above Mach 1, validating performance in real atmospheric conditions. This type of test, known as “captive flight”, allows the engine to be mounted on an aircraft without activating it. the engine to be mounted on an aircraft without activating itThis type of test, known as “captive flight”, allows the engine to be mounted on an aircraft without activating it, collecting essential data on aerodynamics, structural integration and thermal tolerance.
The main objective of ATLAS is to validate key capabilities of the stator jet engines, considered critical for long-range munitions and high-speed tactical air vehicles.The current phase is designed to collect critical data prior to initiating active, firing propulsion tests. The current phase is designed to collect critical data prior to initiating active tests with ignited propulsion.
Department of Defense Investment
This development is supported by the U.S. War Department through Title III of the Defense Production Act. The funding is geared toward expanding airborne propulsion capabilities and improving the range of modern defense systems..
The ATLAS program is considered an integral part of the U.S. effort to advance hypersonic technologies. GE Aerospace, through its Edison Works unit, is leading this initiative that prioritizes the reuse of test hardware and acceleration of validation cycles.
Supersonic flight tests at Kennedy Space Center. Source: GE Aerospace
GE strengthens its infrastructure for higher-speed Mach testing
Since the acquisition of Innoveering in 2022, GE Aerospace has expanded its portfolio of advanced propulsion technologies. The company has also invested in new test facilities at its Evendale (Ohio), Bohemia and Niskayuna (New York) sites, where it is now possible to simulate flight conditions at speeds above Mach 4.
Mark Rettig, vice president of technology development at Edison Works, noted that reusable captive flight testing allows for frequent testing in more realistic scenarios. This reduces the time between test phases and speeds the path to operational applications.
Source and photo: GE Aerospace