Highly Compact Supersonic Cruise Missile (SSCM) Engine Inlet

Future supersonic cruise missiles (SSCMs), such as the Next Generation Tomahawk, will require larger, more powerful engines to operate. Scaling current inlet technology to match will reduce missile body volume available for fuel, and hence curtail range. Highly compact inlet systems that allow efficient operation at supersonic speeds but are low-cost are needed to enable these missions. To be broadly-based, the SSCM inlet ducting must be initially folded and deploy after launch, so as to allow launch from either the VLS or torpedo tubes. CFDRC will design a scalable, deployable, compact supersonic inlet system that employs multiple ducts to minimize the interior inlet volume but that maintains efficient operation at all flight conditions. A low-cost external compression supersonic diffuser will be coupled with highly curved subsonic ducting to achieve this result. Deployment will be achieved by either hinging and folding, or pushing out the supersonic diffuser section. A strategy whereby both conventional S-duct and"innovative"minimum-volume concepts are explored will ensure program success. Initial configuration studies at design point will give way to more detailed optimization across the full flight spectrum in subsequent phases. CFDRC will work toward a Phase III goal of interfacing with engine and airframe companies such as Raytheon and Liberty Works to maximize participation in a Next Generation Tomahawk program.