Reaction Engines Ltd

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https://www.reactionengines.co.uk

Far more interesting than the Musk stuff, these guys are just quietly getting on with developing the Reaction engine which could revolutionise travel to a far greater extent than Space X, Virgin and Blue Origin

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-475...

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This is new technology, SLS Space X etc have been built on existing knowledge and therefore much easier Von Braun was developing liquid fulled rockets way back in the 30's had government backing for the V1 and V2 then the Russian and American government have poured billions to the development of this stuff and financed Musk via NASA programs So I think Reaction Engines ltd have done a remarkable job.

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Einion Yrth said:

I suspect if they'd had anything like the money thrown at them that SLS had, they'd be a hell of a lot further down the road.

Spot on

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eharding said:

Slightly OT. I had forgotten - but looking at the company history on the website reminded me - that Paul Portelli, sadly no longer with us, a White Waltham pilot of long standing, was one of the first investors in the project. I remember flying a 182 - the same one James May used in one of the Top Gear races, long since written off - up to Islay with him when we happened across a missile sub on the surface in the Irish Sea - he was all for going down to have a really close look at it, I managed to talk him out of the idea as I'd guess the Navy would be a bit twitchy about that sort of thing. He was having a 2 seat Spitfire restored, but sadly never saw the project completed, although the aircraft did fly shortly before he passed away, and his ashes were spread at the airfield from the Spit.

Edited by eharding on Sunday 17th March 20:09

Sounds like he was quite a character and visionary to have invested, sad to hear he passed away.

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Max_Torque said:

Old friend of mine has just been made Engineering Director. He's a smart chap (ex F1) so it'll be interesting to see what happens over the next few years in terms of publicity, development and funding etc ;-)

Someone with a background like that may help to overcome hurdles as they arise but what a fantastic opportunity to get involved in emerging technology. and technology that has the potential to make real world differences unlike some of the big splashy rocket projects that in my opinion are just a waste of time, this project has the potential make a real world impact for ordinary people.

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DeejRC said:

The Reaction boys are decent chaps, we have shared quite a bit of staff with them. They are in the offices along the corridor.
Much interesting talks last week!

Its great to hear this, its also nice to hear something being developed in the UK.