GE Aerospace Achieves Supersonic Milestone with Solid-Fueled Ramjet Flight Tests
- Ritambhara K
- Sep 30
- 2 min read
GE Aerospace announced today the successful supersonic captive carry flight tests of its Atmospheric Test of Launched Airbreathing System (ATLAS) Flight Test Vehicle, marking a major advancement in solid fuel ramjet (SFRJ) propulsion technology. The milestone demonstrates the company’s continued commitment to developing next-generation high-speed propulsion systems for defense applications.
“This marks a pivotal moment for GE Aerospace as we showcase our solid fuel ramjet technology in flight for the first time,” said Mark Rettig, vice president and general manager of Edison Works Business & Technology Development at GE Aerospace. “Captive carry testing of reusable flight test hardware allows for more frequent testing in realistic atmospheric conditions, providing critical insights into system behavior and performance.”
During the ATLAS program, the test vehicle was carried aloft on a Starfighters F-104 aircraft. Across three successful flights, the system achieved supersonic speeds, validating both its stability and aerodynamic performance in a controlled environment. These tests are designed to simulate realistic operational conditions while allowing engineers to gather detailed data to refine the solid fuel ramjet propulsion system.
The ATLAS program is funded by the Department of War through Title III of the Defense Production Act, aimed at scaling air-breathing propulsion technologies to extend the speed, range, and responsiveness of future munitions. By demonstrating successful flight at supersonic speeds, GE Aerospace is moving closer to fielding propulsion systems capable of meeting the demanding requirements of high-speed, long-range military applications.
This testing phase focuses on validating the core capabilities of solid fuel ramjets, offering valuable information about combustion stability, thrust performance, and overall system reliability. These insights will support the development of advanced weapons and platforms that rely on rapid acceleration and extended operational reach.
The ATLAS tests are part of GE Aerospace’s broader investments in high-speed and hypersonic propulsion technologies. In 2022, the company acquired Innoveering, strengthening its hypersonics portfolio and accelerating development of reusable test hardware and propulsion systems. Additionally, GE Aerospace recently completed significant upgrades to its test infrastructure at its Evendale, Ohio; Bohemia, New York; and Niskayuna, New York facilities. These enhancements enable higher-Mach, mission-relevant testing at scales previously unattainable, further advancing the company’s ability to push the boundaries of supersonic and hypersonic flight.
According to Rettig, the success of the ATLAS captive carry tests not only demonstrates the feasibility of solid fuel ramjet propulsion but also underscores GE Aerospace’s strategic commitment to innovating and scaling advanced flight technologies for defense and aerospace markets. The data and lessons from these tests will inform future iterations of the system and contribute to the broader goal of producing more capable, responsive, and resilient propulsion solutions for next-generation aerial platforms.
With these milestones, GE Aerospace continues to solidify its role as a leader in high-speed and hypersonic propulsion development, bringing the vision of faster, longer-range air-breathing systems closer to reality.
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