A Thrust-Oriented Combined-Cycle Engine for Space Access

SpaceWorks Engineering, Inc. (SEI) seeks government support to conduct preliminary development activities toward a unique new combined-cycle propulsion system for use in next-generation missiles, space access vehicles, and hypersonic strike aircraft. Combined-cycle engines advantageously integrate the best aspects of rocket engines and high-speed airbreathing engines and have been shown to offer vehicle-level weight, size, and cost advantages relative to separately installed propulsion alternatives. SEIs highly flexible SCAAT-Engine (Supersonic Core Air Augmented Thrusting - Engine) enables vehicle-optimized operation over a wide range of flight velocities and altitudes. Unlike other combined-cycle engine concepts, the SCAAT-Engine is specifically designed for adequate acceleration over the entire flight regime. For a nominal space access or long-range missile mission, the primary rocket is engaged for the entire flight -- generating a supersonic core flow exhaust stream. The supporting secondary airflow from the inlet and the ramscoops increases the rockets Isp by an average of 15% - 30% when combusted. The result is a small, compact and low cost vehicle configuration. Nominal propellants are LOX/LH2, but hydrocarbon alternatives are also candidate fuels. BENEFIT: SpaceWorks Engineering, Inc. (SEI) believes that a unique combined-cycle engine concept, if matured according to this research effort, would have several potential customers. If the SCAAT-Engine technology was licensed to a large-scale engine manufacturer, we estimate that hundreds of engines could be produced for the following potential customers: Emerging Commercial Space Access Firms, NASA/Civil Space Applications, Military Space Access Applications, and Military High Speed Missile Applications.