Europe’s first hydrogen hypersonic jet aims to fly at Mach 5 speed

The European Space Agency (ESA) has launched the Invictus research program in partnership with UK-based Frazer-Nash, aiming to develop Europe’s first hydrogen-fueled hypersonic jet capable of flying at Mach 5 (3,836 mph). This fully reusable experimental vehicle will utilize a precooled air-breathing propulsion system, building on technology from ESA’s previous SABRE engine studies led by Reaction Engines Ltd. The program, funded through ESA’s General Support Technology Program (GSTP) and Technology Development Element (TDE), seeks to overcome challenges such as extreme heat from shock and friction at hypersonic speeds, enabling horizontal takeoff and sustained flight at Mach 5. The consortium also includes Spirit Aero Systems and Cranfield University, with a preliminary full flight system design targeted within 12 months. Invictus aims to provide a testbed for future hypersonic technologies relevant to aerospace, defense, and space access, marking a significant step toward reusable spaceplanes that can take