China scares the United States with a new hypersonic missile capable of operating underwater for the first time at more than 3,700 km/h

The first underwater hypersonic engine in history achieves 90% efficiency.

Chinese scientists have reached a crucial milestone in the field of hypersonic propulsion by successfully testing the first rail ramjet using boron for underwater applications. This engine, developed to propel weapons at hypersonic speedsachieved an impressive 90% effectiveness under laboratory conditions, promising to transform the offensive capabilities of modern armies.

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A hybrid engine for air and sea missions

The engine, a major innovation, is capable of operating efficiently in both aerial and underwater environments, using air and water as oxidizing agents depending on the environment. This versatility allows it to carry weapons at remarkable speeds across two of the most strategic theaters of operations.

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Challenges and solutions in the use of boron

Boron, chosen for its high energetic properties, allows the missile to accelerate to nearly Mach 5 when burning in the presence of oxygen in the air. However, enabling boron combustion underwater posed a major challenge. To overcome this, the research team developed a new design that provides a second opportunity for solid fuel combustion, significantly increasing engine efficiency.

What is Boron?

Boron is a chemical element represented by the symbol B and atomic number 5 in the periodic table. It belongs to the metalloids family, lying between metals and non-metals in terms of its properties. Naturally rare on Earth, it is found mainly as borates in minerals such as borax or kernite. Used in numerous industrial applications, it plays a key role in the sectors of agriculture (as a micronutrient), materials (boron fibers, ceramics) and renewable energies (solar glasses). Its unique structure makes it a subject of interest to researchers in chemistry and physics.

Combustion optimization and test results

The researchers optimized the injection of water vapor into the combustion chamber and adjusted the ratios of active metals such as magnesium and aluminum in the fuel. These adjustments allowed the boron to burn more completely into vapor, an advancement proven during testing in a simulated laboratory environment that mimics underwater conditions.

Exceptional stability and performance

During testing, the engine maintained a bright, elongated yellow flame at the nozzle tip, with stable flame and pressure in the afterburner, demonstrating exceptional stability under extreme conditions. The sensors recorded an exhaust jet speed exceeding Mach 3 (3704.4 km/h), with a combustion efficiency of 87%. By increasing the proportion of boron in the mixture, the specific impulse reached record values, far surpassing the efficiency of SpaceX's Raptor engine.

Implications for the future of hypersonic propulsion

The success of this boronated motor marks a potential turning point for the future of propulsion in hypersonic military applications. The implications of this technology go far beyond simply improving speed and efficiency; they also suggest improvements in operational stealth and strike capability in hostile environments.

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This article reviews the first successful test of the boronated engine for underwater hypersonic weapons which represents a major breakthrough, offering new and exciting prospects for the future of military technology. By overcoming the current limitations of hypersonic propulsion, this engine could well redefine the standards of modern military engagement, increasing the range and power of armies while paving the way for future innovations in the field of defense.

Source : SCMP

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