SHOOM-20 Pulsejet Engine Tested in Ukraine, Targeting Two Hours of Run Time

Ukrainian engineers have showcased tests of the domestically produced pulse air-breathing engine SHOOM-20.

The manufacturer, First Parsec, released a video of the test on its social media channels.

The aim of the trials was to verify upgrades designed to extend the engine’s operating time to two hours.

According to the developers, such endurance will allow an aircraft equipped with this engine to cover a distance of about 800 kilometers.

The testing was carried out as part of a broader project to develop the KROOK-1 strike drone and the SUETA-1 target drone.

Pulse Air-Breathing Engine

Pulse air-breathing engines are the simplest type of jet propulsion systems, in which thrust is generated through the periodic, explosive combustion of a fuel–air mixture.

They operate in a cyclic mode: air enters the combustion chamber, mixes with fuel, and the mixture then ignites instantly, producing a pulse of thrust.

Then the pressure drops, air enters the chamber again, and the process repeats dozens or even hundreds of times per second. Because of this operating cycle, the engine produces a characteristic loud ‘pulsating’ sound.

The main advantage of such engines is their structural simplicity and low cost. They do not require a compressor or turbine, which makes them cheaper, easier to manufacture, and more resilient when operating in dirty environments or under combat damage.

Meanwhile, pulsejet engines have their limitations. They consume more fuel compared to turbojets, operate at low speeds, and are very noisy.

Their ‘pulsating’ operating principle creates vibrations and thermal stress, so engineers must find solutions to increase durability and operating stability especially if the engine is expected to run for hours rather than minutes.

Similar Developments

As previously reported, the Ukrainian company Scopa Industries is preparing for flight tests of a new jet engine for unmanned aerial vehicles – the ‘Shepit’ (Whisper – ed.)

This is a domestically produced pulse air-breathing engine, built entirely from Ukrainian components.

In an earlier phase, the team conducted a series of ground tests that allowed them to evaluate the engine’s basic specifications.