European Space Agency (THIS) finances the development of a hypersonic cosmoplan within the Inviktus research program, which is headed by the British consulting company Frazer-Nash. The purpose of the project is to create a multiple experimental apparatus, capable of reaching speed up to 5 Mach (five times faster than sound) and make horizontal take -off and landing, Like a plane. The first flight is scheduled for the beginning 2031 year, If everything happens according to plan.
The key technology of Invictus is the pre -air cooling system, developed by the British company Reaction Engines Ltd. For their Sabre engine (Synergetic Air-Breathing Rocket Engine). This engine combines the principles of jet and rocket driver, using oxygen from the atmosphere at lower heights, that reduces the need for fuel transportation and increases efficiency. Pre -cooling system allows you to cool overhanging air before getting into the engine, which enables ordinary aviation engines to work at hypersonic speeds, Overcoming the problem of extreme temperatures, caused by friction and shock heating.
The Invictus project has a budget in 7 millions of pounds (about 9,4 Millions of US dollars), that is a relatively small amount, but, ESA estimates, It can have a significant impact on European astronautics. Consortium, to which Frazer-Nash includes, Spirit AeroSystems, Crenfield University and a number of small and medium -sized enterprises, over the next 12 months will develop the concept and elements of the pre -design of a full -fledged flight system.
Invictus is not the only European Cosmoplan's project. Example, Last month the French government and Dassault Aviation announced the development of Vortex demonstrator, which is also based on reusable technologies. Revival of interest in the cosmoplanes is observed after the cessation of operation of the NASA cosmic rod in 2011 year. The US is currently using robotic orbital cosmoplan X-37B, And China has a similar device shenlong. in addition, companies, such as Virgin Galactic, Sierra Nevada Corp., Dawn Aerospace і Radian Aerospace, also work on your own cosmoplanes for tourist and research purposes.
Invictus development opens up new prospects for the economic growth and national security of Europe, can also change approaches to transport as on land, and in orbit, Due to reusable technologies and air-reactive driving.