Aerospace engineers at the University of Central Florida are garnering global attention for their successful experiments in hypersonic propulsion. Their groundbreaking work could lead to safe and stable hypersonic air travel, potentially flying passengers from Tampa to Los Angeles in a matter of minutes​.

The U.S. Department of Defense has awarded UCF significant funding to further their hypersonic propulsion research. This support underscores UCF’s leading role in advancing this technology. The funding will aid in the development of high-flammability, high-energy-density solid fuels for hypersonic engines, which are essential for achieving ultra-high-speed flight​​.

Led by Professor Kareem Ahmed, UCF’s project focuses on creating new advanced solid fuels that utilize outside air for supersonic combustion, known as airbreathing propulsion. “The novel solid fuels will provide wider flammability limits and longer range while constraining volume and improving thermal and mechanical properties,” Ahmed stated​.