The test facility at Westcott Venture Park will enable the firm to test critical subsystems along with the testing of a SABRE engine core, which will commence in 2020.
The project will consist of a multipurpose propulsion test stand designed to accommodate various test engine configurations, an assembly building, workshops, offices and control room.
The location of workshops and other facilities alongside the test stand will enable configuration changes to the engine to take place at the site. This will reduce the down time between testing phases and accelerate the development programme of the SABRE engine, the firm said.
The company has already undertaken testing of the engine’s pre-cooler and thrust chamber technologies, and will undertake further ground-based high-temperature testing of the pre-cooler early in 2018.
Mark Thomas, chief executive of Reaction Engines said: “This is another exciting step forward in development of Reaction Engines’ SABRE engine and a visible demonstration of the UK’s commitment to the programme. I look forward to seeing this unique facility take shape and commencing our core engine testing, which will be a defining moment for aerospace.”
