Unveiled at the UP.Summit in October, the VDR2 engine combines the power and efficiency of a Rotating Detonation Rocket Engine (RDRE) with the high-speed cruising capability of a Ramjet. Developed in collaboration with Velontra, the engine demonstrates a revolutionary ability to start a Ramjet at takeoff speeds, bypassing the conventional limitation of requiring speeds of Mach 3.5 for ignition.
The company now plans to conduct ground tests of the VDR2 Block 0 flight engine, designed to operate from takeoff to Mach 4+ without moving parts. This groundbreaking engine will power Venus Aerospace’s hypersonic flight test drone, set for its inaugural flight in 2025.
Founded in 2020, Venus Aerospace has already advanced RDRE technology from concept to a 2,000 lbf demonstration flight engine. RDREs enhance engine efficiency by using supersonic combustion, which adds pressure during the combustion process rather than relying solely on heat.
Venus Aerospace achieved another milestone in February 2024 by flying a supersonic-capable drone, with the first flight of an RDRE-powered drone scheduled for early 2025. With $70 million in venture funding, Venus is at the forefront of developing reusable high-speed technologies for aviation, defence, and beyond.
