China’s supersonic jet that’s faster than ‘Son of Concorde’ & can fly London-NYC in less than 2 hours reaches milestone
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CHINA is vying to take on the 'Son of Concorde' with an even faster supersonic jet that could blast from London to New York City in less than two hours. Beijing-based Space Transportation - also known as Lingkong Tianxing Technology - has been carrying out test flights and recently reached a speed of 3,106 mph which is four times the speed of sound, according to Chinese media.
![[Beijing-based firm has developed an alternative engine go blast through the skies]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/chinas-supersonic-jet-s-faster-958554515.png?strip=all&w=960)
The so-called Jindouyun engine, or JinDou400, could enable travel twice as fast as the iconic Concorde. In the latest test it was able to reach at altitudes over 65,600 feet, the company claims. It achieved this by doing away with compressors or turbine parts you find in most rocket engines and relying on detonation combustion technology instead.
![[Company wants its aircraft to go into action as soon as 2027]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/chinas-supersonic-jet-s-faster-958554464.png?strip=all&w=960)
This tech uses a detonation ramjet to create essential thrust. Shock waves created from the process compress the incoming air. Not only does the change reduce weight but it cuts down on costs too. "This engine has significant commercial potential in the field of high-speed flight within near-space environments," told firm told SCMP.
"This test flight provided key performance data on the engine, validating critical systems including the fuel supply, electrical and control systems. "It also confirmed the engine's stability and reliability, marking a major milestone in its development from a prototype to a fully functional product.".
