Inventors:
James L. Keirsey - Frederick MD
Don H. Sheppard - Ellicott City MD
Assignee:
The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy - Washington DC
International Classification:
F02K 928
Abstract:
A variable-cycle storable fuels engine having three cycles is provided. The engine operates as an air-augmented rocket from launch to approximately Mach 3. From approximately Mach 3 to Mach 8, the engine operates as a dual mode ramjet/scramjet to altitudes exceeding 100,000 feet. Thereafter, the engine operates as a conventional pure rocket for final sub-orbital boost. A fixed geometry air inlet provides improved ram recovery at altitudes below 100,000 feet.