Invictus is a European Space Agency-backed project aiming to build a hydrogen-powered spaceplane capable of flying at Mach 5. The project uses pre-cooler technology, previously developed by the now-bankrupt Reaction Engines. Many engineers from Reaction Engines have joined Frazer-Nash Consultancy, leading the Invictus consortium. This spaceplane is designed to take off like a jet and promises lower emissions. The project's first stage, funded by ESA, plans to deliver a concept design by mid-2026, focusing on a hydrogen-fuelled, air-breathing propulsion system.
The proposed engine for the plane is based on so-called pre-cooler technology, developed over decades by UK aerospace firm Reaction Engines, which went bust in November.
Invictus aims to develop a reusable hypersonic vehicle capable of flying at Mach 5 (6174 km/h) - five times the speed of sound.
Powered by hydrogen, the aircraft promises lower emissions and longer endurance than traditional jet fuel engines.
The pre-cooler is a heat exchanger that cools incoming air before it hits the engine.
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