A few weeks ago, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) quietly unveiled a new high-speed missile program called Gambit. The program is meant to leverage a novel method of propulsion that could have far-reaching implications not just in terms of weapons development, but for high-speed aircraft and even in how the Navy’s warships are powered.

This propulsion system, known as a rotation detonation engine (RDE), has the potential to be lighter than existing jet engines while offering a significant boost in power output, range, and fuel efficiency.

The Gambit missile is just one of a number of programs placing a renewed focus on RDE technology, though for the most part, these systems have managed to fly under the media’s radar.

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Further Reading
Original Article:
https://www.sandboxx.us/blog/darpas-n...
Steve Trimble's work on Aviation Week (pay wall): https://aviationweek.com/author/steve...
Carrier challenges vs China: https://www.sandboxx.us/blog/fighter-...

Citations:
University of Michigan RDE history: https://news.engin.umich.edu/2017/03/...
PDE Aircraft from the AFRL: https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Displ...
RDE Resources from Oak Ridge National Lab: https://www.olcf.ornl.gov/2020/08/26/...
RDE Engine test: https://newatlas.com/space/rotating-d...
Gambit program notice: https://sam.gov/opp/6714817f3fcf4fc78...
Navy fuel consumption: https://www.naval-technology.com/anal...
Navy fuel savings from RDEs: https://newatlas.com/us-navy-nrl-rota...
Navy patent from 1982: https://patents.google.com/patent/US4...