Under the agreement, BAE Systems is investing $31.7 million in Reaction Engines for the development of the SABRE rocket engine. Image courtesy of BAE Systems
WASHINGTON, Nov. 3 (UPI) -- BAE Systems and Reaction Engines will collaborate on the development of the SABRE, or Synergistic Air-Breathing Rocket Engine, the two companies announced Monday.
Under the agreement, BAE Systems will invest $31.7 million in Reaction Engines and acquire 20 percent of its share capital. BAE Systems will also supply their technical and management expertise to accelerate the development process with the goal of pushing the SABRE rocket engine to its full demonstration phase. The British government is also investing in the technology.
SABRE is a hybrid rocket engine that uses combined cycle air-breathing to enable aircraft to operate at up to five times the speed of sound, or fly a craft directly into Earth's orbit. The system's advanced propulsion system would enable a standstill craft to reach speeds past Mach 5, and then transition directly into rocket mode into Mach 25.
The engine draws speed from its ability to "breathe" air from the atmosphere, whereas conventional rockets carry air with them as they travel. Reaction Engines also developed breakthrough technology by developing ultra-lightweight heat exchanges that can cool extremely hot airstreams, preventing ice formation at sub-zero temperatures.
"BAE Systems brings industry leading capabilities in programme delivery and wider engineering systems integration that will accelerate the development of SABRE as a new engine class and its vehicle applications," Reaction Engines Managing Director Mark Thomas said. "This partnership builds on the outstanding technical breakthroughs that Reaction Engines has made."
The companies hope to conduct ground-based tests by the end of the decade and unmanned test flights by 2025.
The agreement also makes BAE Systems a preferred supplier for Reaction Engines, and is subject to approval from Reaction Engine's shareholders.
