The development is led by a consortium headed by Frazer-Nash, with participation from Spirit AeroSystems, Cranfield University, and other partners.
Invictus builds on technologies from the UK-based Reaction Engines, which previously worked on the Skylon spaceplane. Despite Reaction Engines’ bankruptcy, its key innovation—a “pre-cooler” that chills air before it enters the engine—forms the foundation of the new project. This system enables jet engines to operate at hypersonic speeds exceeding 6,000 km/h, over five times the speed of sound.
The Synergetic Air-Breathing Rocket Engine (SABRE) engine combines jet and rocket propulsion, capturing atmospheric oxygen at lower altitudes to save fuel and boost efficiency.
Despite a modest budget of approximately 8.7 million euros ($10.1 million), Invictus could be a breakthrough for Europe’s aerospace industry. Tommaso Ghidini, head of ESA’s mechanical department, stated that hypersonic flight opens a new era for mobility, defense, and space access.
The Invictus spaceplane is designed to take off from a runway like a conventional aircraft and then ascend to orbit like a rocket. Over the next 12 months, the team will present a concept and preliminary design elements.
Europe is not alone in pursuing next-generation spaceplanes: France is developing the VORTEX project by Dassault Aviation, while the United States operates the X-37B, China has the Shenlong spacecraft, and Virgin Galactic advances suborbital tourism.
Invictus represents a step toward revolutionizing transportation on Earth and beyond.