Survey of supersonic combustion ramjet research at Langley

TLDR

NASA Langley’s Hypersonic Propulsion Branch has pursued supersonic combustion ramjet and high‑speed ramjet research since the 1960s, focusing on propulsion for manned reusable vehicles using cryogenic hydrogen fuel. This paper presents highlights of this research. The authors discuss the design philosophy of Langley’s fixed‑geometry, airframe‑integrated modular scramjet and review component development and research programs that enabled successful demonstration of the engine concept with subscale hardware, summarizing the engine tests. The paper includes an extensive bibliography of research supported by the Langley program.

Abstract

The Hypersonic Propulsion Branch at NASA Langley Research Center has maintained an active research program in supersonic combustion ramjet (scramjet) and high speed ramjet propulsion since the 1960s. The focus for this research has centered on propulsion for manned reuseable vehicles with cryogenic hydrogen fuel. This paper presents some highlights of this research. The design philosophy of the Langley fixed-geometry airframe-integrated modular scramjet is discussed. The component development and research programs that have supported the successful demonstration of the engine concept using subscale engine module hardware is reviewed and a brief summary of the engine tests presented. An extensive bibliography of research supported by the Langley program is also included.