Method and apparatus for lifting and propelling rotorcraft

An apparatus (100) for lifting and propelling a rotorcraft, the apparatus (100) comprising: a rotor hub (110) adapted for applying lift and propulsive forces to the rotorcraft; a plurality of rotor blades (120) mechanically coupled to the rotor hub (110) to form a rotor assembly and adapted for generating the lift and propulsive forces; and a plurality of pulse detonation engines (140) adapted for impulsively detonating a plurality of fuel/air mixtures to generate thrust forces and applying the thrust forces to the rotor assembly.