China is rapidly pushing the boundaries of technological innovation, with breakthroughs that could redefine space exploration and hypersonic travel.

Following its ambitious plan to send a flying robot to the Moon’s south pole in search of frozen water—a crucial step in its Chang’e-7 program—and it has unveils china 6th gen fighter, and now achieved another major milestone.

Scientists have successfully tested an oblique detonation engine (ODE) capable of reaching speeds of Mach 16, bringing the country closer to developing hypersonic aircraft and weaponry that could dominate the future of air and space travel.

An advanced jet fuel-powered engine has successfully demonstrated the ability to reach Mach 16—approximately 12,276 miles per hour (19,756 km/h). The test was conducted at the JF-12 shock tunnel in Beijing, one of the world’s leading hypersonic research facilities, managed by the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS).

Revolutionizing Hypersonic Propulsion

Most scramjet engines struggle beyond Mach 6 due to combustion instability. However, China’s Oblique Detonation Engine (ODE) has sustained operation between Mach 6 and Mach 16, marking a significant advancement in air-breathing hypersonic propulsion.

1,000-Times Faster Combustion Rate

One of the ODE engine’s most remarkable achievements is its combustion rate—1,000 times faster than conventional scramjets. During tests, the engine maintained Mach 9 speeds over a distance of 492 feet (150 meters).

However, due to the limitations of the JF-12 wind tunnel, the test duration was restricted to just 50 milliseconds. Despite this brief window, scientists gathered crucial data on ignition performance and thrust generation at extreme speeds.

Compact Design and High Efficiency

The ODE engine’s combustor is 85% shorter than that of a traditional scramjet, making it more efficient and practical for real-world applications. Unlike conventional hypersonic engines that rely on hydrogen or ethylene—fuels that are difficult to store—the ODE operates on RP-3 aviation kerosene, a commonly used jet fuel. This makes the technology more viable for future military and aerospace vehicles.

Additionally, conventional scramjets face the risk of flameouts at high speeds. The ODE engine overcomes this challenge by using shock waves to enhance combustion efficiency. Researchers introduced a 5mm bump inside the combustor, triggering a self-sustained shockwave-driven explosion, ensuring stable operation at hypersonic speeds.

Military and Aerospace Implications

If successfully integrated into aircraft, the ODE engine could transform military aviation. China could develop next-generation hypersonic drones, missiles, and bombers with ultra-long-range capabilities, giving the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) a significant strategic advantage.