David Perigo, ESA’s chemical propulsion engineer and the programme’s technical lead, explains: “The INVICTUS programme will prove the suitability of a hydrogen-fuelled precooled air-breathing propulsion system for horizontal take-off and hypersonic flight. It will provide an invaluable opportunity to test the complete engine flow path, from intake to afterburner, at full scale in an integrated aircraft.” INVICTUS – Europe’s new hypersonic test platform INVICTUS – Europe’s new hypersonic test platform

The precooler system, building on technology developed through ESA's SABRE study, was designed by UK-based Reaction Engines Ltd and funded through ESA’s GSTP in its initial stages.

i.e. Skylon reborn.