Venus Aerospace is developing a hypersonic jet, named the Stargazer, that can travel six times the speed of sound and at much higher altitudes than traditional aircraft. This innovative aircraft could potentially cut the travel time from New York City to London to under an hour, a significant improvement compared to the current seven-hour journey. The Stargazer is expected to be three times faster than the Concorde and five times faster than NASA’s upcoming high-speed plane, the “Son of Concorde”. This development could revolutionize air travel and provide travelers with a much faster and more efficient option for long-haul flights.
The Stargazer would be powered by the Venus Detonation Ramjet 2,000-pound Thrust Engine (VDR2), which was showcased at the Up.Summit innovation event in Bentonville, Arkansas. The engine is a combination of rockets and a ramjet, allowing it to reach speeds of 4,600 miles per hour, or about six times the speed of sound (Mach 6). Additionally, the VDR2 will not only power the Stargazer but also high-speed drones. The successful testing of the engine in a small drone earlier this year demonstrates its potential to enable high-speed flight. Venus Aerospace plans to conduct a second drone test in 2025, further advancing the development of this groundbreaking technology.
Passengers traveling on the Stargazer will experience not only faster speeds but also higher altitudes, reaching up to 110,000 feet. This elevation will give travelers a unique perspective of the curvature of Earth, providing an unparalleled view of the planet during their journey. In comparison, the Concorde reached about 60,000 feet, and regular passenger jets typically fly at around 35,000 feet. The combination of unprecedented speed and altitude in the Stargazer promises a one-of-a-kind experience for travelers seeking a fast and exciting way to cross the Atlantic.
With approximately 21 daily direct flights between New York City and London, the development of the Stargazer and the VDR2 engine could significantly improve travel efficiency for individuals making the transatlantic trip. The $33 million airliner represents a major leap forward in the field of hypersonic air travel, setting a new standard for speed and altitude capabilities in commercial aviation. Venus Aerospace’s collaboration with Velontra on this project highlights the expertise and innovation driving the development of this high-speed aircraft, making the hypersonic economy a reality and transforming the future of air travel for passengers around the world.
Dr. Andrew Duggleby, co-founder of Venus Aerospace, expressed excitement about the potential impact of the Stargazer and the VDR2 engine on high-speed flight during the unveiling at the Up.Summit event. The partnership with Velontra, a company specializing in high-speed air combustion, reflects the joint effort to achieve a revolutionary advancement in air travel technology. By combining expertise and resources, Venus Aerospace and Velontra aim to push the boundaries of hypersonic flight and bring the Stargazer to commercial reality, providing travelers with a faster, more efficient, and more exhilarating way to journey between major cities such as New York City and London.
