Destinus, a company founded by Mikhail Kokorich, an opponent of the Putin regime, is developing a hypersonic hydrogen jet with the aim of revolutionizing the aviation industry. The goal is to offer non-stop flights that cover half the planet, with the aircraft flying at hypersonic velocities of Mach 5+ and using hydrogen as fuel.

Flying Long Distances while Carbon Neutral

The impact of hypersonic travel on the aviation industry is expected to be significant, opening up new possibilities for business, tourism, and research. Destinations that were previously inaccessible due to long travel times will become easier to reach.

Martina Löfqvist, Senior Business Development Manager at Destinus, explained that the company aims to disrupt the ultra-long-range market experience. “To significantly decrease the flight time, the aircraft should fly very fast. At hypersonic velocities, we can reach any destination on Earth within 4 hours.”

The mechanics of the hypersonic hydrogen jet rely on optimizing the shape to reduce drag. The company is currently investigating a wave rider shape that creates shockwaves to generate lift without traditional wings. Two demonstrators have been built to test the shape at subsonic velocities, and a hydrogen-fueled supersonic flight is planned for 2024.

While it is true that developing and operating hypersonic aircraft is currently expensive, a European Union-commissioned study predicts that the decreasing cost of hydrogen and growing interest from the market will make it more cost-effective by 2025.

The airplane industry has already taken some steps towards hydrogen combustion technology. For instance, in 2022, Airbus launched the ZEROe demonstrator intending to achieve a mature technology readiness level for a hydrogen-combustion propulsion system by 2025.

Today, one of the leading technical challenges faced by Destinus is the propulsion system, which uses cryogenic hydrogen. Stay tuned for further updates on the progress.

Autopilot to avoid human error

With its top speed of Mach 5, the jet could travel from New York to London in just over an hour. However, with past incidents of the Concorde in mind, Destinus is strongly emphasizing safety and security.

The company is performing computer simulations and physical tests to increase its demonstrators’ flight envelope progressively. It is also working closely with regulators to establish safety standards. In addition, Destinus is developing an autopilot system that will help minimize human error.

“We have learned from the lessons of Concorde and are taking every possible precaution to ensure the safety of our passengers,” said Martina Löfqvist.

One of the most common misconceptions about hypersonic air travel is that it is unsafe. While certain risks and technical challenges are associated with hypersonic flight, the idea that it is inherently dangerous is a misconception. She explained that with proper design, testing, and regulation, hypersonic aircraft can be as safe as any other type of aircraft.

Less than ten years to flying Destinus

Destinus is looking into two sizes for the hypersonic jet: Destinus S with a 20-50 seat capacity and Destinus L with a 300-400 seat capacity. The Destinus S will be limited in range, while the Destinus L will be designed to reach any destination on Earth.

The first passenger aircraft, Destinus S, is expected to be ready by the early 2030s. While Destinus is currently in discussions with various airlines, the company is still being prepared to sell the aircraft.

Destinus’s pursuit of developing a hypersonic hydrogen jet for ultra-long-range flights has the potential to transform the aviation industry and the way people travel.