The engine that changed everything
How it all began
Reaction Engines was founded over 30 years ago.
The focus?
Producing a robust technical design for SABRE (Synergetic Air Breathing Rocket Engine), a new class of engine, for propelling high-speed aircraft and spacecraft. SABRE remains unique in combining the fuel efficiency of a jet engine with the power and high-speed capability of a rocket.
The engine that changed everything
A truly versatile propulsion system – SABRE is an air-breathing rocket engine that can propel an aircraft from zero to five times the speed of sound in the atmosphere and 25 times the speed of sound for space access. Highly scalable, this pioneering breakthrough boasts a huge range of operation with the potential to redefine what’s possible in the world of powered flight.
SABRE technology can operate in both air-breathing and rocket modes
Precooler validated at hypersonic heat conditions
Mach 5 for hypersonic flight
Mach 25 for space access
Scalable for multiple applications
Synergetic Air Breathing Rocket Engine
Ramjet System
Improves overall engine efficiency by using surplus air to generate extra thrust.
Main Nozzle
Operates in both the atmosphere and in space, reducing weight and complexity.Â
Rocket Engine
Engine CoreÂ
Air compressor
Precooler
Nacelle
Supersonic Intake
Ramjet System
Improves overall engine efficiency by using surplus air to generate extra thrust.
Main Nozzle
Operates in both the atmosphere and in space, reducing weight and complexity.
Rocket Engine
Provides thrust to power the engine for space access during rocket mode.
Engine CoreÂ
Powers SABRE during air-breathing flight. Heat absorbed by the precooler is recycled to power the engine, significantly reducing fuel consumption.
Air compressor
Driven by the energy absorbed in the precooler, enabling runway start and takeoff.
Precooler
Rapidly cools the incoming air (1,000 °C to ambient) enabling SABRE to operate at higher speeds than existing engines.
Nacelle
Advanced materials designed to withstand extreme temperature conditions.
Supersonic Intake
Captures and slows the incoming air into the engine and can operate at speeds in excess of Mach 5 before closing for rocket mode.
Ground test and development programme
There are three core building blocks to SABRE, the precooler, the engine core and the thrust chamber. Each of these systems can be developed and validated using ground based demonstrations, which saves cost and time relative to flight test, a design feature that benefited the development of the propeller and jet engine. We are demonstrating each of these independently. The high temperature test of the precooler took place in 2019. Testing of the core engine components and preburner have taken place during 2020 and 2021.
Let's talk
To learn more about how our technologies can transform your industry, contact the team today.
