Starfighters Space and GE Aerospace Complete Supersonic Ramjet Test Campaign

Starfighters Space and GE Aerospace Complete Supersonic Ramjet Test Campaign

On January 5, 2026, Starfighters Space, Inc. (NYSE American: FJET) announced the successful conclusion of a supersonic flight test campaign conducted in collaboration with GE Aerospace. Operating from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the company utilized its fleet of F-104 Starfighter aircraft to execute high-speed “captive carry” missions for GE’s Atmospheric Test of Launched Air-breathing System (ATLAS).

According to the company’s official statement, the tests involved carrying the ATLAS test vehicle under the wing of the F-104 at speeds exceeding Mach 2. These flights were designed to validate critical performance metrics for GE’s solid-fuel ramjet (SFRJ) technology, a propulsion system intended for future hypersonic applications. The campaign was supported by funding from the U.S. Department of Defense under Title III of the Defense Production Act.

The collaboration highlights a growing trend in the aerospace sector where legacy platforms are repurposed to accelerate the development of next-generation defense technologies. By using a reusable, piloted aircraft, the program aimed to simulate realistic atmospheric conditions for the ramjet engine without the high costs associated with expendable rocket launches.

Technical Achievements and Flight Profile

The core objective of the campaign was to subject the ATLAS payload to the specific airflow and thermal environments required to “start” a ramjet engine. Unlike traditional jet engines that use rotating compressors, ramjets rely on the vehicle’s forward supersonic motion to compress incoming air. The F-104 Starfighter, capable of sustained Mach 2 flight, served as a “flying wind tunnel” for these tests.

The ATLAS Payload

GE Aerospace’s ATLAS vehicle utilizes a solid-fuel ramjet architecture. This design is distinct because it contains no moving parts and uses a solid hydrocarbon fuel lining the combustor. As the engine operates, the fuel ablates, or burns away, to sustain thrust. The technology is engineered to power vehicles at hypersonic speeds, generally defined as Mach 5 or higher.

In the press release, GE Aerospace executives noted the importance of real-world flight conditions for maturing this technology.

“The Starfighters team provided a reliable, flight-ready supersonic platform that enabled us to conduct multiple captive carry flights in realistic atmospheric conditions. Commercially operated test aircraft… play an important role in accelerating development timelines.”

Mark Rettig, VP & General Manager, Edison Works Business & Technology Development, GE Aerospace

Operational Context

Starfighters Space operates the world’s only commercial fleet of F-104s. These aircraft are certified to fly within designated supersonic corridors, such as the warning areas off the Florida coast. This capability allows defense primes and government agencies to gather data on ignition, combustion stability, and thrust in a high-cadence testing environment.

“For customers developing next-generation propulsion and aerospace systems, access to flight-proven supersonic platforms is essential. These missions not only validate our business model, but also demonstrate the advanced capabilities of our aircraft.”

Rick Svetkoff, CEO of Starfighters Space

Strategic Implications for Hypersonic Development

AirPro News analysis

The successful completion of the ATLAS campaign underscores a critical bottleneck in the United States’ pursuit of hypersonic capabilities: testing infrastructure. As the Department of Defense races to match the capabilities of near-peer competitors, the demand for wind tunnels and flight test opportunities has outstripped supply. Traditional testing methods often involve building expensive, single-use rocket boosters to accelerate test vehicles to the required speeds.

By utilizing the F-104 platform, Starfighters Space offers a solution that bridges the gap between ground-based wind tunnels and full-scale rocket launches. This approach aligns with the broader industry push toward “responsive space” and rapid prototyping. The use of Defense Production Act Title III funding for this program further signals the Pentagon’s intent to shore up the domestic industrial base for high-speed Propulsion.

While other companies like Stratolaunch and Hermeus are developing new platforms for similar purposes, Starfighters Space leverages a legacy platform that is already certified and operational. This allows for immediate testing capabilities, a crucial factor as the U.S. government seeks to deploy hypersonic systems in the near term.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Solid-Fuel Ramjet (SFRJ)?

A solid-fuel ramjet is a type of jet engine that uses the vehicle’s forward motion to compress air, which is then mixed with a solid fuel source lining the combustion chamber. It has no moving parts, making it simpler and potentially more robust than liquid-fuel engines for certain high-speed applications.

Why use an F-104 Starfighter for testing?

The F-104 is one of the few aircraft capable of sustained flight at Mach 2 (twice the speed of sound) while carrying heavy external payloads. Its high speed allows it to simulate the airflow conditions necessary to ignite and test ramjet engines, acting effectively as a reusable first stage or a flying testbed.

What is the significance of the Defense Production Act Title III funding?

Title III of the Defense Production Act provides the President with the authority to ensure the domestic industry can meet national defense needs. Funding under this title indicates that the technology being tested, in this case, solid-fuel ramjets, is considered essential to national security.

Sources

• Starfighters Space Press Release (Yahoo Finance)