China unveils hypersonic engine capable of speeds up to 20,000 km/h

China has announced a major breakthrough in aeronautical technology with the unveiling of a revolutionary hypersonic engine capable of propelling aircraft at an unprecedented speed of 20,000 kilometres per hour.

This innovative engine operates using two distinct modes to achieve and sustain hypersonic speeds, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

Up to Mach 7 (a speed that is seven times the speed of sound, which is hypersonic), the engine employs rotary detonation — a supersonic combustion process in which air is compressed and ignited in a cylindrical chamber, generating a spiral detonation wave that maximises energy efficiency and thrust. Beyond Mach 7, the engine switches to an oblique detonation mode, which uses an inclined intake manifold to compress air and ignite fuel, producing a more stable and efficient detonation wave at extreme speeds.

Experts say this advancement could transform global air travel, drastically reducing flight times. For example, journeys such as Paris to New York could take as little as two hours, while London to Beijing might be completed in just one hour, and Buenos Aires to Madrid in three.

However, the implications extend far beyond commercial aviation. The hypersonic engine technology has clear military applications, potentially enabling the development of hypersonic missiles and combat aircraft capable of evading current defence systems and altering the balance of military power.

The announcement also intensifies the ongoing technological race among global powers, particularly between China, the United States, and Russia. This competition raises geopolitical concerns over international security and the risks of a hypersonic arms race.

Despite the promise, significant challenges remain. The large-scale operational viability of China’s hypersonic engine is yet to be demonstrated, and questions linger about the economic feasibility and environmental impact of hypersonic aviation.

While the path forward is complex, China’s breakthrough marks a pivotal moment in aerospace innovation. The world watches closely as hypersonic technology moves from experimental stages toward a future that could reshape both civilian travel and military strategy — but also calls for cautious and responsible advancement.

By Khagan Isayev