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In a remarkable display of innovation, private enterprises in China are pushing the boundaries of aerospace technology. Among these trailblazers is Lingkong Tianxing Technology, a Beijing-based company that has recently unveiled plans for a groundbreaking supersonic airliner. This ambitious project aims to significantly reduce intercontinental travel times, promising a future where long-haul flights could be completed in mere hours.
Next-generation supersonic technology
At a recent press conference in Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province, Lingkong Tianxing Technology announced that its next-generation supersonic technology demonstrator, named Cuantianhou (Soaring Monkey), is currently in the research and development phase. The prototype, measuring 7 meters in length and weighing 1.5 metric tons, is set to take its first test flight in 2026. Chief engineer Deng Fan emphasized the aircraft’s streamlined aerodynamic design, which is engineered to minimize air drag and enhance flight efficiency.
Innovative propulsion system
The heart of the Cuantianhou lies in its advanced propulsion system, the Jindou-400S. This state-of-the-art ramrotor detonation engine integrates rotary detonation technology with rotor compressors and ramjet capabilities. Weighing only 100 kilograms, this engine is expected to generate a thrust of at least 4,000 newtons, enabling the aircraft to reach speeds of up to Mach 4.2, or approximately 5,000 kilometers per hour. This speed is nearly five times faster than conventional jetliners, marking a significant leap in air travel technology.
Reviving the dream of ultrafast travel
The Cuantianhou will be launched into the atmosphere by a carrier rocket, ascending to an altitude of around 20 kilometers before continuing its journey autonomously. Most of its flight will occur in the “near space” region, which lies between 20 and 100 kilometers above sea level. Despite the extraordinary speed, Deng assured that passengers will experience no adverse acceleration effects, prioritizing safety and comfort.
This initiative is part of a broader global trend, as companies in the United States and Europe are also racing to develop a new generation of supersonic airliners. The legacy of the legendary Concorde, the first supersonic passenger aircraft, looms large over this new endeavor. While the Concorde was retired due to its environmental impact and operational challenges, the new designs aim to overcome these hurdles, potentially transforming the air travel landscape.
If successful, Lingkong Tianxing Technology’s plans could culminate in the maiden flight of a commercial supersonic airliner named Dasheng (Monkey King) by 2030. This revolutionary aircraft could redefine global air transportation, making intercontinental flights achievable in just two to three hours, a stark contrast to the current ten-hour journeys.