An Innovative Pulse Detonation Rocket Engine

The opportunity addressed in this proposal is an innovative pulse detonation rocket engine (PDRE) which could significantly out-perform current state-of-the-art chemical rocket propulsion systems. The innovation is based in a novel combustion concept developed by Adroit Systems, Inc. (ASI) in the area of airbreathing pulse detonation propulsion. The concept relies on detonation combustion, as opposed to deflagrative combustion which is used in conventional rocket engine systems. Detonation a fuel/oxidizer mixture greatly improves the thermal efficiency of the propulsive cycle as compared to deflagrative combustion. Development of ASI's PDRE concepts would result in a unique propulsion capability that would greatly enhance the USAF Integrated High Payoff Rocket Propulsion Technology (IHPRPT) program. The PDRE has many highly desirable features, including very favorable performance (specific impulse, thrust/weight, thrust/area), increased payload capacity, reduced propellant pressurization requirements, and low heat transfer demands. ASI's PDRE would also have a very low unit cost, mechanical simplicity, and a compact size. The PDRE described in this proposal represents a substantial improvement in propulsion technology and efficiency.