Design bureau named after A. Lyulka (OKB im. A. Lyulka) developed, manufactured and tested a pulse detonation demonstrator engine with two-stage combustion of air-kerosene mixture. The engine’s average measured thrust is over 100 kg; its continuous work time is over 10 minutes, ARMS-TASS reports. 

According to the Chief Designer, Alexander Tarasov, the operating modes typical for turbofan and scramjet engines have been simulated during testing. At that, the measured specific thrust and specific fuel consumption are 30-50% better as compared to classic jet engines. It was confirmed during comparative tests.  

The Chief Designer also said that the repeated on/off switching, variety of operating modes and the capability of adjusting the pulse detonation engine’s thrust have been demonstrated during testing.  

The usage of high-frequency valveless pulse detonation technology will help increase the aircraft’s thrust/weight ratio (1.5-2 times), increase its range and payload (30-50%) and decrease the engine’s specific weight (1,5-2 times).  

On the basis of data obtained during testing and design analysis the design bureau presents a family of pulse engines suitable for a wide range of aircraft types: from “cheap” engines for missiles and UAVs to aircraft engines with a supersonic cruise capability, engines for rocket-and-space systems and compound propulsion systems for aerospace vehicles.  

The enterprise plans to start the testing of a full-scale pulse detonation engine in 2013, the Chief Designer said.