UK Hypersonic Program Faces Major Setback as Reaction Engines Enters Administration

A significant player in aerospace innovation, Reaction Engines, has closed its doors, a development that poses serious implications for the UK and other nations’ hypersonic weapons programs. Reaction Engines, known for its advancements in hypersonic propulsion technology since 1989, went into administration following financial challenges that left the company unable to secure additional funding.

Pioneering Aerospace Legacy and SABRE Technology

Founded by Alan Bond, the lead engineer of the British Interplanetary Society’s Project Daedalus and designer of British Aerospace’s HOTOL spaceplane, Reaction Engines aimed to revolutionize space propulsion. The company initially pursued an ambitious vision of creating the Skylon spaceplane, yet its innovations in engine technology also found a home in various defense and aerospace projects.

One of the company’s most remarkable contributions was the Synergetic Air-Breathing Rocket Engine (SABRE), a unique engine with a regenerative cooling system that instantly cools incoming air using liquid hydrogen. This groundbreaking technology captured the interest of prominent investors, including BAE Systems, Boeing, and Rolls-Royce.

However, despite a promising technology portfolio, Reaction Engines struggled financially. An attempt to secure £150 million in funding fell through as major stakeholders declined additional investment. By October 31, the company was placed in administration under PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), with 173 of its 208 staff members being made redundant.

Impact on the UK Hypersonic Program

The company’s closure has broader implications for national security and defense. Reaction Engines played a significant role in the UK’s £1-billion Hypersonic Technologies & Capability Development Framework (HTCDF) program, which was established to create Britain’s first hypersonic missile. With the SABRE technology now unavailable, the program faces serious delays, likely leaving the government scrambling to bridge the gap left by Reaction Engines.

Beyond defense, the company’s cooling technologies were utilized by various industries, including Formula 1 teams via Mercedes-Benz. The loss of this specialized technology affects the military and the high-performance automotive sector.

Reaction from PwC

PwC administrator Sarah O’Toole expressed regret over the company’s closure, emphasizing Reaction Engines’s contributions to aerospace innovation over its 35-year history. O’Toole stated that PwC remains committed to supporting the company’s former employees during this transition.