Pratt & Whitney Advances Rotating Detonation Engine Development
Unlike conventional turbojet or turbofan engines, RDEs operate on a unique thermodynamic cycle and eliminate the need for moving parts. This results in lighter, more efficient, and more powerful engines.
Pratt & Whitney, a division of RTX, has successfully completed a series of tests on its rotating detonation engine (RDE)in collaboration with the RTX Technology Research Center, the company announced on March 4, 2025. The positive test results are driving further internal investment, with plans to accelerate development alongside the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) toward a full engine and vehicle ground test in the coming years.
Unlike conventional turbojet or turbofan engines, RDEs operate on a unique thermodynamic cycle and eliminate the need for moving parts. This results in lighter, more efficient, and more powerful engines. The design offers higher thermal efficiency, making RDEs compact and cost-effective. The space saved allows for increased fuel capacity, sensors, and payload, enhancing the range and capabilities of air vehicles—particularly missiles and other critical defense applications.
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“Our testing simulated aggressive performance conditions,” said Chris Hugill, senior director at Pratt & Whitney’s GatorWorks prototyping arm. “This validation supports our approach and accelerates RTX’s propulsion and vehicle integration to advance future capabilities.”
In an RDE, combustion occurs within a ring-shaped chamber, where incoming air mixes with fuel to sustain a continuous, self-propagating detonation wave. The resulting energy is efficiently converted into thrust, providing a significant advantage for next-generation aerospace and defense technologies.
Pratt & Whitney’s success in this area marks a major milestone in propulsion innovation, potentially reshaping the future of high-performance aircraft and missile systems.
