SABRE

Sabre.

The engine that
changes everything.

SABRE – Synergetic Air Breathing Rocket Engine – is a new class of engine for propelling both high speed aircraft and spacecraft. SABRE is unique in delivering the fuel efficiency of a jet engine with the power and high speed ability of a rocket.

The engine that changes everything.

A truly versatile propulsion system – SABRE is an air-breathing rocket engine that can propel an aircraft from zero to five times the speed of sound in the atmosphere and 25 times the speed of sound for space access. Highly scalable, this pioneering breakthrough boasts a huge range of operation with the potential to redefine what’s possible in the world of powered flight.

  • SABRE technology can operate in both air-breathing and rocket modes
  • Precooler validated at hypersonic heat conditions
  • Mach 5 for hypersonic flight
  • Mach 25 for space access
  • Scalable for multiple applications
click the engine to find out more

Ramjet System

Improves overall engine efficiency by using surplus air to generate extra thrust.

Engine Core

Powers SABRE during air-breathing flight. Heat absorbed by the precooler is recycled to power the engine, significantly reducing fuel consumption.

Precooler

Rapidly cools the incoming air (1,000 °C to ambient) enabling SABRE to operate at higher speeds than existing engines.

Supersonic Intake

Captures and slows the incoming air into the engine and can operate at speeds in excess of Mach 5 before closing for rocket mode.

Main Nozzle

Operates in both the atmosphere and in space, reducing weight and complexity.

Rocket Engine

Provides thrust to power the engine for space access during rocket mode.

Air Compressor

Driven by the energy absorbed in the precooler, enabling runway start and takeoff.

Nacelle

Advanced materials designed to withstand extreme temperature conditions.

Ramjet System

Improves overall engine efficiency by using surplus air to generate extra thrust.

Engine Core

Powers SABRE during air-breathing flight. Heat absorbed by the precooler is recycled to power the engine, significantly reducing fuel consumption.

Precooler

Rapidly cools the incoming air (1,000 °C to ambient) enabling SABRE to operate at higher speeds than existing engines.

Supersonic Intake

Captures and slows the incoming air into the engine and can operate at speeds in excess of Mach 5 before closing for rocket mode.

Main Nozzle

Operates in both the atmosphere and in space, reducing weight and complexity.

Rocket Engine

Provides thrust to power the engine for space access during rocket mode.

Air Compressor

Driven by the energy absorbed in the precooler, enabling runway start and takeoff.

Nacelle

Advanced materials designed to withstand extreme temperature conditions.

With a clear ground test and development programme.

There are three core building blocks to SABRE, the precooler, the engine core and the thrust chamber. Each of these systems can be developed and validated using ground based demonstrations, which saves cost and time relative to flight test, a design feature that benefited the development of the propeller and jet engine. We are demonstrating each of these independently. The high temperature test of the precooler took place in 2019. Testing of the core engine components and preburner have taken place during 2020 and 2021.
READ THE HTX TEST RESULTS
READ ABOUT THE HX3 AND PREBURNER TEST CAMPAIGNS

Applied Technologies

From outer space
to your place.

We apply what we learn from our space technology to help diverse industries become more efficient and sustainable.

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Making Beyond Possible

We develop pioneering technology to accelerate net zero. To reinvigorate high-speed flight. And to transform access to space. We deliver sustainable thermal management solutions to create a better future.

Get in touch

Reaction Engines Ltd.
Culham Science Centre
Abingdon
Oxon, OX14 3DB

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