Small Air Breathing Vector Thrust PDE (VTPDE) for UAV and Other Applications

This SBIR Phase I proposal is aimed at increasing power density, enhancing modularity, and reducing cost through the use of Pulse Detonation Engines (PDEs). The proposed propulsion system is based on a new engine concept that provides higher specific impulse than rockets or tubojets. It is more efficient than conventional engines because of its constant-volume, nonsteady operating cycle and has no moving parts in the power productin section. In PDEs a detonation wave is initiated in a mixture of aspirated air and fuel and propagates axially in the detonation chamber. Thurst is generated when the wave impinges on the thrust wall. The use of multiple chambers allows thrust vectoring and enhances engine reliability and efficiency. PDEs are more efficient than tubojets at small scale, require no exotic materials, and are less expensive to build. Their structural efficiency is greater than that of IC engines and they can operate at higher speeds. They avoid the power density limitations of electric power generation and the low specific impulse of solid propellants, and can incorporate thrust vectoring and thrust level control, which enhances maneuverability. We will develop and demonstrate a low-cost air-breathing propulsion system that can be used for existing systems and adapted to future advanced programs.