18 April 2019
The NCC will be working with Reaction Engines Ltd, pioneers in hypersonic propulsion technology for reusable launch vehicles, to accelerate their ceramic matrix composites research
The National Composites Centre (NCC) is delighted to announce that Reaction Engines Ltd have joined the NCC’s membership network. Reaction Engines, based in Abingdon, Oxfordshire are developing the technologies needed for a new class of innovative hypersonic propulsion system, the Synergetic Air-Breathing Rocket Engine, known as SABREä.
The partnership with the NCC will focus on accelerating the company’s research in ceramic matrix composites (CMCs). Lightweight, durable and with superior thermal resistance properties, CMCs will play a critical role in the development of components for the rapidly growing commercial space market.
Announcing the partnership, Richard Oldfield, CEO, National Composites Centre said: “The NCC’s partnership with Reaction Engines reflects our ambition to enable every hi-tech industry to access state-of-the-art composite manufacturing technology and technical specialists to accelerate their use of composites. We are looking forward to working with a team that share the NCC’s commitment and drive to turn research innovation into commercially viable components.”
Richard Varvill, Chief Technology Officer, Reaction Engines said: “Reaction Engines has recently joined the National Composites Centre to accelerate its ceramic matrix composites research. This allows us to leverage NCC expertise and assist in the development of a UK supply chain leading to a supply of prototype components to meet the demands of the SABREä development programme.”