Thrust-Oriented Combined Cycle Propulsion System Development for High-Speed Flight Systems

SpaceWorks proposes to develop an improved, novel RBCC propulsion system for long-range, high-speed flight that will revolutionize various DoD missions and commercial cargo transport. This approach contrasts with that of several start-up and established ventures currently seeking to develop high-speed aircraft for commercial passenger travel. While the aircraft proposed by such companies represent technological improvements over current subsonic travel, their propulsion systems will generally limit their operations to speeds below Mach 5 hypersonic conditions. Market studies have indicated the optimal speed for commercial passenger travel may in fact be Mach 2 to 3 from a business case perspective, potentially leaving a significant gap between successful future passenger transports and the type of system required to deliver hypersonic travel capability dictated by militaryĀneeds.