Privately funded design work for a superconducting microwave propulsion system will start in January after static thrust tests saw a demonstrator engine achieve 140mN/kW.
The next stage for the lift engine demonstrator is to place it on an air-bearing demonstration rig. The propulsion system – a motor that converts electrical energy directly into thrust using microwaves in a metal chamber – will demonstrate thrust on an arm connected to the frictionless rig.
Development has been supported by a £126,000 ($216,000) UK Department of Trade and Industry grant, which will last a further nine months.
“We are about to start the design work for the second generation unit. It should produce 3t/kW of static thrust,” says inventor Roger Shaywer, adding that parallel research is under way at a UK university.
An engine capable of 6,600lb thrust (29kN) is predicted to have wider uses in transport, while a smaller engine could be used for attitude control on a satellite.
Source: Flight International