China’s ‘Monkey King’ Supersonic Drone

China has made significant strides in aerospace technology with the development of a supersonic drone known as the "Monkey King." This advanced unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) was created by Lingkong Tianxing Technology, a Chinese aerospace startup. The drone measures seven meters in length and weighs approximately 1.5 tonnes, making it a highly capable piece of machinery. One of the most remarkable features of the "Monkey King" is its ability to reach speeds of Mach 4.2, which is over four times the speed of sound. This makes it one of the fastest drones in existence, capable of achieving these speeds while operating at altitudes of up to 20 kilometers (12.4 miles), well above the commercial airspace.

The drone is powered by two detonation engines, which rely on a self-sustaining detonation wave for propulsion. This technology, which is still relatively new, allows the "Monkey King" to travel at supersonic speeds without the typical drag and energy loss seen in traditional jet engines. The high altitude at which the drone operates is advantageous as it helps minimize the impact of sonic booms, a common problem with supersonic flight. By operating at this height, the drone reduces noise pollution on the ground, making it less disruptive during high-speed travel.


A test flight for the "Monkey King" drone is scheduled for next year, with the company looking to showcase the capabilities of this cutting-edge technology. In the future, there are ambitious plans to develop a high-speed passenger jet using the same detonation propulsion technology, with the goal of having it ready by 2030. This would revolutionize air travel, offering significantly faster journeys than current commercial aviation allows.


The development of the "Monkey King" is part of China’s broader ambition to dominate in aerospace technology. Alongside this drone, China is also working on other notable projects, including the "White Emperor" supersonic fighter jet and a heavy-duty cargo drone often referred to as the "pickup truck of the sky." These innovations demonstrate China’s drive to become a global leader in next-generation aviation technologies.

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