Hypersonic Propulsion: Enhancing Robustness in Mid-Scale Scramjets

The objective of this proposal is to develop a simple, lightweight and reliable Scramjet Cold-Start Gas Generator (SCS-GG) for hydrocarbon fueled, supersonic combustion systems. A SCS-GG would allow repeatable cold-start ignition for missile and aircraft systems promoting access to space and prompt strike/reconnaissance. Systima Technologies, Inc. proposes a cold-start gas generator that establishes preconditions suitable for hydrocarbon scramjet cold-startup in a flight-weight, compact and durable system. The speed of fluids through a supersonic scramjet combustor allows only milliseconds to permit adequate mixing of the fuel air mixture, ignite the fuel air mixture and sustain combustion. Systems for ignition of scramjets apply an aerodynamic or physical restriction to the supersonic flow, raise the temperature/pressure, and establish a shock train in the combustor. These restrictions can be physical, fluidic, or heat-release backpressure systems. Systima proposes the development of a solid propellant gas generator as a lighter, more compact and reliable scramjet cold start system to provide the pre-combustion shock train for the ignition of cold JP fuel in the scramjet combustor. Systima intends to focus on existing propellants and propellant mixtures to keep the solid propellant gas generator an affordable solution that can be handled within existing handling and safety processes. BENEFIT: This method of enabling the cold-start of a supersonic combustion engine will have direct applicability to missile and vehicle systems utilizing hypersonic airbreathing propulsion. These engine systems have applicability in global strike weapons, high speed transports, and access to space technologies. This is an area of interest for the U.S. Government, both the military and NASA, and the prime contractors that are working on the research and development to supply the U.S. Government with these systems including: Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne. Systima has ongoing relationships with these customers and prime contractors and will endeavor to put forward this technology in conjunction with our other hypersonic vehicle technologies in our product line. We are well positioned with our Rocketdyne partner, a world leader in hypersonic combustion engines, and high speed vehicle integrators to market and promote the use of this technology in weapons and exploration vehicles. Systima is currently an active supplier of energetic material systems for weapons systems, space system actuators, and other development concepts and has the necessary expertise and capability to carry this product from concept, through development to production. Our personnel have decades of experience in this industry with energetic materials from simple double base powder propellants, custom grain fabrication, and through linear shaped charge. We are an established supplier of hypersonic vehicle shroud components and submunition ejection systems.