Rolls-Royce invests in hypersonic engine developer
Reaction Engines and Rolls-Royce have formed a strategic partnership to develop hypersonic propulsion systems for the commercial and military sectors.
Rolls-Royce will invest £20 million into Reaction Engines, which already numbers BAE Systems and Boeing among its shareholders.
Reaction has developed a Synergetic Air Breathing Rocket Engine (SABRE – pictured) as a hypersonic pre-cooled hybrid air-breathing rocket engine.
The two companies are already cooperating in the UK on the development of hypersonic propulsion systems for the MoD.
Mark Thomas, chief executive of Reaction Engines, said: ‘This strategic partnership is about developing market-ready applications for Reaction Engines’ technology in next-generation engines and is a significant step forward for our technology commercialisation plans.’
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