HOUSTON - Venus Aerospace in Houston announced it has achieved ignition of its ‘VDR2’ engine. VDR2 offers a single-engine solution from Mach 0 to Mach 6. This marks the first successful rocket-based combined cycle test.
The VDR2 integrates two technologies: the rotating detonation rocket engine (RDRE), which provides high thrust, and a ramjet, which ensures efficient cruising. This combination allows the engine to operate from takeoff through hypersonic speeds without complex mechanical systems. The VDR2 engine is expected to take flight in Venus Aerospace’s hypersonic test drone in 2025.
With this successful test and ignition, Venus Aerospace has demonstrated the ability to start a ramjet at takeoff speed. Typically, ramjets cannot start until Mach 3.5.
Venus is now targeting a ground test of the VDR2 Block 0 flight engine. With no moving parts, this will be the simplest engine capable of going from takeoff to above Mach 4, and will take flight in Venus’ flight test drone in 2025.
Venus was founded in 2020 and has successfully matured the RDRE from concept to a 2,000 lbf demonstration flight engine. RDREs achieve supersonic combustion (also known as detonation) which results in a higher efficiency engine by adding pressure in the combustion process, not just heat.
In parallel, Venus developed and flew a supersonic-capable drone in February 2024. The first flight of an RDRE drone is scheduled for Q1 2025.
