BAE Systems plc. and Reaction Engines Limited have started a working collaboration to accelerate Reaction Engines’ development of SABRE – a new aerospace engine class that combines jet and rocket technologies with the potential to revolutionise hypersonic flight and the economics of space access.
The working partnership sees £20.6 million investment from BAE Systems in addition to the sharing of extensive aerospace technology development and project management expertise.
Mark Thomas, Managing Director, Reaction Engines Limited, said:
“This is an important landmark in the transition of Reaction Engines from a company that has been focused on the research and testing of enabling technologies to one that is now focused on the development and testing of the world’s first SABRE engine.”
Nigel Whitehead, Group Managing Director, Programmes & Support, BAE Systems said:
“Reaction Engines is a highly innovative UK company and our collaboration gives BAE Systems a strategic interest in a breakthrough air and space technology with significant future potential.”
In addition, the UK Government is expected to confirm grant funding of £60 million for Reaction Engines to further SABRE’s development towards a ground based test engine and to investigate its applications for space access vehicles.