China’s Supersonic Jet: London-NYC in Under 2 Hours

China is on the brink of revolutionizing air travel with its supersonic jet, which promises to fly from London to New York in less than two hours—faster than the famed Concorde. Developed by Beijing-based Space Transportation (also known as Lingkong Tianxing Technology), the JinDou400 engine recently hit an impressive speed of 3,106 mph, four times the speed of sound. The jet is designed to travel at speeds double that of the iconic Concorde, which was known for its Mach 2 speeds.

The JinDou400 engine, which powers this remarkable aircraft, utilizes a unique detonation combustion technology, replacing the traditional compressors and turbines found in most rocket engines. The detonation ramjet technology compresses the incoming air using shock waves, reducing both weight and costs. The engine reached altitudes of over 65,600 feet during its latest test flight, further validating its performance and potential for commercial use.

In addition to its supersonic speed, the aircraft is also capable of vertical takeoff and landing, further expanding its versatility. This development places China at the forefront of high-speed aviation technology, with the company claiming the JinDou400 could be key in revolutionizing near-space travel.

Meanwhile, in the U.S., a rival jet dubbed the “Son of Concorde” is making progress. Boom Technology’s XB-1, designed to cut flight times between London and New York to just 3.5 hours, recently reached a maximum speed of Mach 0.87 (667 mph) and an altitude of 27,716 feet. While not as fast as China’s JinDou400, Boom’s XB-1 is advancing rapidly and could change the future of air travel.

Both developments signal a new era in supersonic flight, with commercial travel potentially reaching new speeds and altitudes.

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