Strengthening A2/AD Penetration with the Hybrid-Fueled Ramjet (HFRJ): Throttleable, Restartable Hypersonic Missile Propulsion System

This proposal outlines the proposed Phase II development and testing of the Hybrid-Fueled Ramjet (HFRJ), an advanced throttleable, restartable hypersonic missile propulsion system designed to enhance U.S. survivability and penetration capabilities against Anti-Access/Area Denial (A2/AD) systems. HFRJ combines Vaya Space’s existing, proven hybrid rocket engine technology with air-augmentation—resulting in a long-range missile propulsion system with dynamic thrust control, multiple restart capability, and the ability to sustain powered hypersonic flight in all atmospheric conditions.  A2/AD systems combine long and short-range capabilities to restrict movement into and limit operational freedom within an area. Adversaries are bolstering their A2/AD capabilities with rapidly advancing hypersonic missile technology, but existing U.S. systems lack full-range maneuverability at hypersonic speeds. This capability gap creates a vulnerability in contested environments.  HFRJ is designed from the ground up as a next generation hypersonic propulsion platform optimized to penetrate the most advanced A2/AD systems in the world. HFRJ’s highlights include: Dynamic Throttle Control and Repeated Restart Capability, providing unmatched maneuverability at every stage of flight to avoid air defense systems Air-augmented combustion, dramatically increasing efficiency and range Low visibility exhaust, minimizing optical and infrared detectability Non-explosive even when fully fueled, making manufacturing, logistics, and storage safe, simple, and affordable. HFRJ is designed for compatibility with a wide swath of the USAF arsenal, including the F-22 Raptor, B-2 Spirit, B-52 Stratofortress, F-35 Lightning II, and the?F-15 Eagle. The high volumetric packing efficiency of HFRJ, enabled in part by its integral fuel grain, which fuels both boost and sustainer phase propulsion, allows it to serve as a propulsion system replacement for existing cruise missiles in the US Air Force arsenal.  The results of the Phase I feasibility study suggest that a HFRJ-propelled has the potential to comprise a generational improvement in hypersonic capabilities: packaging an unparalleled combination of range, maneuverability, speed, and survivability into an insensitive missile compatible with the USAF’s most-used aircraft.   Building on 7+ years of experience designing, building, and testing hybrid rocket engines and the rocket engine test stands themselves, Vaya Space is ready to deliver on an air-breathing variant of its engine technology.