In the last few years, there have been a number of successful tests of hypersonic vehicles powered by supersonic- combustion ramjets (scramjets). These have led us to wonder if such vehicles could offer benefits in an anti-ballistic missile (ABM) role. There are two key considerations in such a use of this technology. First, the scramjet works best in a relatively thin layer of the earth s atmosphere at an altitude of approximately 90,000 feet. This is not to say that the projectile will not work below this altitude, but it is at this altitude that the hydrogen-fueled engine interacts with the oxygen resulting in hypersonic speeds up to mach 9.6 or nearly 7,000 mph. The second consideration stems directly from the first unless released directly into that portion of the atmosphere, the projectile will require some form of boost phase to get it there.


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    Title :

    Loitering Aircraft as a Capability Added for Anti-ballistic Missile Systems


    Contributors:
    G. L. Boylan (author) / B. L. Foote (author) / R. Burk (author)

    Publication date :

    2006


    Size :

    4 pages


    Type of media :

    Report


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English





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