In a major step towards developing hypersonic missiles for jet fighters, China has claimed that it has successfully tested new ramjet engine technology.
China reported that two flight tests with the solid-fuel variable flow ramjet engine were completed last month.
The successful test has been described as 'a milestone in the field of engine research', and could lead to Chinese hypersonic missiles that can strike their targets at more than 4,000mph.
Researchers from the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation revealed that the team had successfully conducted the flight tests.
Solid-fuel ramjet engines burn oxygen directly from the atmosphere, rather than needing to carry their own supply, making them a low-cost, high-power option.
While such an engine is extremely difficult to make, it could dramatically increase the firing range and mobility of air-to-air missiles, according to Song Zhongping, a military expert, speaking to the Global Times.
The engine could enable J-20 fighters to fire from three times the range of existing missiles.
And the fighter could hit targets nearly 200 miles away.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-4603160/China-developing-hypersonic-missiles-jet-fighters.html#ixzz4jz9WGMK5
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