China Vies for Supersonic Jet Supremacy with ‘Son of Concorde’ Rival
China’s Space Transportation, a Beijing-based company, is pushing to develop an even faster supersonic jet, capable of traveling from London to New York City in under two hours. The company has been conducting test flights, with its latest one reaching a speed of 3,106 miles per hour, four times the speed of sound.
The company’s Jindouyun engine, also known as the JinDou400, uses detonation combustion technology to create thrust, abandoning traditional compressor and turbine parts found in most rocket engines. This new technology reduces weight and costs while providing increased speed.
The test flight validated the engine’s performance, confirming key systems such as fuel supply, electrical, and control systems, as well as its stability and reliability. The company aims to develop the engine for a Yunxing passenger aircraft, which could take off as early as 2027.
This projects comes as a rival supersonic jet, the “Son of Concorde,” being developed by Boom Technology in the US, completes its ninth test flight. The XB-1 could potentially reduce journey times from London to New York City to 3.5 hours, down from the current eight hours.
The Concorde, which was once considered the ultimate luxury in air travel, was retired in 2003 after 27 years of service due to low passenger numbers and high maintenance costs. The 9/11 terrorist attack and an Air France Concorde crash in 2000 also contributed to the decline of the iconic supersonic jet.
