Reaction Engines Scimitar

Scimitar
Type preecooled turbofan/ramjet
National origin United Kingdom
Designer Reaction Engines Limited
Major applications Transonic passenger airliner
Status Concept
Developed from SABRE (rocket engine)

The Reaction Engines Scimitar is a derivative of the SABRE engine technology, but intended for jet airliners (the Reaction Engines LAPCAT A2 concept), rather than space launch applications. Consequently, most of the Scimitar engine technology is similar to SABRE but designed for much longer life.[1] Both engines are designed around existing ramjet technology, but the Scimitar engine lacks the rocket features and has high bypass features for greater efficiency. The engines burn liquid hydrogen as fuel.[2]

The incorporation of lightweight heat exchangers in the main thermodynamic cycles of these engines is a new feature to aerospace propulsion.[citation needed] Similar studies of intercoolers used on jet engines show significant improvement of efficiency.[3]

  1. ^ "Reaction Engines Limited :: LAPCAT - Scimitar Engine". Archived from the original on 2009-07-06. Retrieved 2009-07-03.
  2. ^ The Reaction Engines Limited: Scimitar Pre-cooled Mach 5 Engine
  3. ^ Boggia, S; K Rüd. "INTERCOOLED RECUPERATED AERO ENGINE". MTU Aero Engines. Retrieved 19 April 2021.