Abstract: Abstract : This report presents the results of a study of five combined cycle propulsion systems capable of accelerating a single stage vehicle with lifting surfaces from ground launch to Earth orbit. The engines studied were airbreathing, rocket based combined cycle (RBCC) engines. 'Combined Cycle' engines integrate airbreathing and rocket propulsion systems into a single engine system. These engines transition from initial air-augmented rocket mode takeoff and initial acceleration to ramjet to scramjet and finally to rocket propulsion to orbital insertion velocity. Engine systems, engine/vehicle integration, vehicle structure, propellant storage systems and thermal protection system (TPS) design, sizing and weight estimation, overall performance on various trajectories, and ground support systems were studied. A technology assessment, subscale engine test plan, development program plan and life cycle costs estimates are presented. Keywords: Air augmented rockets, Ramjets, Scramjets, Orbit on demand, Combined cycle engines, Space vehicles.
Publication Year: 1988
Publication Date: 1988-04-01
Language: en
Type: article
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Cited By Count: 19
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