Development of Fast Burning, High Performance Composite Solid Ramjet Fuels

Physical Sciences Inc. proposes to develop and demonstrate a novel composite solid fuel for high performance ramjet and hybrid rocket applications. This new class of solid fuel will provide all the benefits of traditionally used solid ramjet fuels, while providing game changing advances in combustion efficiency, burning rates, and motor operating windows. Unlike other technologies, the proposed development does not rely on new chemical synthesis procedures or large concentrations of inorganic additives to provide high energy densities. Currently available, low cost materials are used, allowing for a low cost, low risk solution. In Phase I, the proposed investigation will focus on the development of critical components of the composite fuel system, and demonstrate propellant burning rates equivalent to liquefying solid fuels. Phase II will refine fuel formulations and validate their performance in sub-scale ramjet conditions. We envision this technology to enable new long-range solid ramjet missile and hybrid motor launch systems to be developed.