As reported on Space Daily, China’s private aerospace sector is pushing the boundaries of aviation with the development of a supersonic suborbital airliner. Lingkong Tianxing Technology, a Beijing-based firm, has unveiled plans for Cuantianhou (“Soaring Monkey”), a 7-meter-long technology demonstrator powered by a revolutionary ramrotor detonation engine.
Cuantianhou, slated for its first test flight in 2026, will utilize the Jindou-400S engine, a groundbreaking propulsion system that combines rotary detonation, rotor compressor, and ramjet technologies. This lightweight engine, weighing only 100 kilograms, is expected to generate a thrust of at least 4,000 newtons, propelling Cuantianhou to speeds of up to Mach 4.2 – nearly five times faster than conventional jetliners, while offering incredibly fuel-efficient performance.
The aircraft will be launched via a carrier rocket, reaching an altitude of approximately 20 kilometers before transitioning to independent flight in near space. While details on the landing mechanism remain undisclosed, the company assures passengers will not experience adverse effects from the acceleration.
This ambitious project echoes the legacy of the Concorde, the iconic supersonic airliner retired in 2003 due to operational and environmental challenges. If successful, Cuantianhou will pave the way for Dasheng (“Monkey King”), a commercial supersonic airliner envisioned for a 2030 debut.
Lingkong Tianxing Technology’s venture aligns with a global resurgence in supersonic airliner development. Companies in the United States and Europe are also pursuing innovative designs to address the growing demand for faster international travel.
