Substantial new funding from the U.S. Department of Defense is helping further establish the University of Central Florida as a leader in hypersonics and space propulsion research — not only in the nation, but in the world.
The support is a testament to the progress UCF has made in the field, including developing the first hypersonic rotating detonation rocket engine, which could allow for air travel from New York to L.A. in less than 30 minutes. It also comes on the heels of recently received DOD funding to build a morphing hypersonic engine.
“High-hypersonic propulsion technology is being born here, similar to how new technology was developed at Kennedy Space Center during the space era,” says Kareem Ahmed, professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering. “The new funding highlights that UCF is a major player in hypersonic propulsion.”
Achieving flight at hypersonic speeds is a national priority and an international focus that’s driving the 21st-century space race. Such systems would allow for air travel at speeds from Mach 6 to Mach 17 (that’s 4,600 to 13,000 miles per hour) and would make for more efficient entry and exit from planetary atmospheres. This would make hypersonic defense systems, space exploration and intercontinental travel as routine as intercity travel is today.
This is the kind of frontier-defining research that your gift supports at UCF. And with your help, we’ll continue to push the boundaries of tomorrow.
