Lingkong Tianxing Technology, an aerospace firm based in Beijing, revealed during a news conference on Monday in Chengdu, Sichuan province, that it is working on a next-generation supersonic technology demonstrator. The company plans to conduct its first test flight in 2026.
Deng Fan, the company's chief engineer, described the prototype aircraft, named Cuantianhou (Soaring Monkey), as a 7-meter-long vehicle weighing 1.5 metric tons. "The design features a streamlined aerodynamic structure to minimize air resistance and enhance flight efficiency," he said.
The craft will be powered by an innovative propulsion system called the Jindou-400S, a ramrotor detonation engine that merges rotary detonation, rotor compressor, and ramjet technologies. According to Deng, the 1.9-meter engine weighs just 100 kilograms but can generate a thrust of at least 4,000 newtons.
"With this engine, Cuantianhou will achieve speeds up to Mach 4.2, approximately 5,000 kilometers per hour, making it nearly five times faster than conventional jetliners," Deng explained.
The aircraft will launch via a carrier rocket that will carry it to an altitude of about 20 kilometers. From there, it will transition to independent flight, with most of its journey taking place in near space-a region 20 to 100 kilometers above sea level that encompasses the stratosphere, mesosphere, and lower thermosphere. The engineer did not provide details about the craft's landing mechanism but assured that passengers would not experience adverse effects from the acceleration.
This initiative reflects humanity's enduring aspiration for ultrafast travel, echoing efforts exemplified by the iconic Concorde airliner. The Concorde, developed jointly by the United Kingdom and France, began commercial operations in 1976 but was retired due to challenges such as noise pollution, high operating costs, and environmental concerns.
If successful, Lingkong Tianxing Technology's prototype could pave the way for Dasheng (Monkey King), a commercial supersonic airliner named after a hero from Chinese mythology. The company anticipates Dasheng's maiden flight by 2030. "Imagine completing an intercontinental journey in just two to three hours instead of the current 10 hours or more," Deng said.
Globally, aerospace companies in the United States and Europe are also working on new supersonic airliners to address the growing demand for faster international travel.
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