Air breathing propulsion concepts for winged, reuseable, space launch vehicles were evaluated. Turboramjet, precooled turbojet, ejector ramjet (or ram rocket)/ramjet, air-turborocket/ramjet, and hydrogen expansion engine/ramjet were considered. For single stage to orbit, a variable geometry ejector ramjet (or ram rocket)/ramjet is recommended; for two stages, a turboramjet with gas turbine core. However, the scoring and ranking scheme does not lead to a clear preference for just one propulsion concept for each vehicle. Two other concepts are nominated for consideration to ensure that major opportunities are not missed: precooled turbojet, and turboramjet (turborocket core).
Evaluation of Advanced Air Breathing Concepts. Volume 1: Executive Summary
1987
12 pages
Report
No indication
English