AN INNOVATIVE AIR-TURBO ROCKER (ATR) SCRAMJET PROPULSION SYS AND SUPPORTING DESIGN APPROACH

Development of combined Air-Turbo-Rocket(ATC/Scramjet component technology suitable for numerous USAF propulsion missions is proposed. Preliminary component design will focus on attaining fully throttleable boost and sustain thrust, vehicle speeds from Mach 0 to 8, and range as required. Activities during Phase I include: (1) Generator of an ATR/Scramjet system and component analysis methodology by combining the most advanced modeling features of the WPAFB and MICOM ATR codes with RAMSCRAM (NASA LeRC scramjet design and analysis code); (2) Implementation of vehicle/mission trajectory analysis (WPAFB UTRAJ code) to support propulsion system component design; (3) Preliminary assessment of critical ATR/scramjet propulsion component interactions including: (a) Scramjet Operation (inlet, combustor, nozzle); (b) Off-the-Shelf (OTS) Turbomachinery Components for use in the ATR; and (c) Gas Generator Propellants. Phase II will focus on analytical/experimental assessment of the critical ATR/scramjet components. Phase III could culminate in USAF procurement of a minimum weight and cost prototype ATR/Scramjet propulsion technology suitable for implementation into low earth orbit launch vehicles and/or next generation tactical or strategic missiles.