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Rolls-Royce has been awarded a contract worth about £10m to develop hypersonic propulsion systems for the Ministry of Defence (MOD).
The MOD’s procurement arm, Defence Equipment and Support, is behind the two-year to undertake design studies, research, development, analysis and experimentation relating to high-Mach advanced propulsion systems.
The contract will be with Rolls-Royce and its technology partners, BAE Systems and Reaction Engines and will focus on enabling technologies for increased aircraft performance and capability.
Speaking at the 2019 Air and Space Power Conference, the UK’s chief of the air staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Hillier, said: "As part of the technologies being developed in parallel with Project Tempest, I am delighted to reveal that in concert with Rolls-Royce, Reaction Engines and BAE Systems, we are developing hypersonic propulsion systems, which will be designed and tested over the next two years, paving the way for the UK to become a centre of excellence in this technology and contribute to meeting future UK Defence needs."
Alex Zino, Rolls' director business development and future programmes, added: "Rolls-Royce will work closely with the UK MOD and our partners BAE Systems and Reaction Engines to conduct and coordinate research into high Mach advanced propulsion systems.
"Going forward, this collaboration will allow us to focus on enabling innovative technologies for increased aircraft performance and capability."