Robust and Reliable Ignition Systems for Versatile RDE Flight Envelope

Detonation propulsion systems are disruptive game-changing technologies that enable high-speed, compact, and cheaper weapon platforms. The Rotating Detonation Engine (RDE) as a new propulsion system enables improved missile performance without reinventing fuel technology, and it is a vastly scalable and versatile-mission technology for small, medium, and large missiles. The U.S. does not yet have RDE based weapons. Missiles with RDE propulsion are expected to have a significant increase in range and speed with a reduction in propulsion system size, providing significant strategic battlefield advantages. During the Phase 1 feasibility study, Spectral Energies discussed the technology, challenges, and defense needs with groups across the USSF, the USAF, and the defense industrial base. Robust and reliable ignition at engine relevant and flight conditions was identified as a key technical challenge for adoption of RDE-based missile propulsion. The Phase II proposal will take RDE foundational knowledge & experience and develop a prototype design of an RDE ignition system. During the Phase 1 feasibility study, the proposed ignition system concept was tested in a subscale RDE and shown to reliably provide detonation ignition. The proposed Phase II effort will expand on the Phase I effort through the design, testing, optimization, and miniaturization of the ignition system integrated with air-breathing RDEs operating on relevant hydrocarbon fuels, under flight relevant inlet conditions, and at relevant geometry scales that meet the needs of the AF stakeholders and end-users. The proposed work will expand on the current team members work, in collaboration with Purdue University and North Carolina State University, with RDE design and research.  The overall vision of the Phase II effort will be supported by the development of an RDE ignition framework that provides design criteria and guidance for ignition scaled to RDEs of different sizes and operating conditions. This effort is similarly aimed at providing future RDE designers with the design criteria and guidelines for adapting and scaling ignition for future RDE systems.