Conceptual Studies of Combined-Cycle Engine

Conceptual studies of a combined-cycle engine have been conducted. Herein, the results are presented. The engine is composed of ejector-jet, ramjet, scramjet and rocket modes, and will be mounted on the Single-Stage-to-Orbit aerospace plane. Propellants are hydrogen and oxygen. Calculated engine thrust performances and cooling requirement of the engine are presented. Pitching moment of the plane with the engine will be balanced even in the vacuum condition. The experimental results of the inlet and the ejector-jet, ramjet and scramjet modes are presented. The effect of the airframe configuration on the engine performance and the thermal environment in the in-side of the plane are also presented. Through the investigations, possibilities of the combined-cycle engine and the aerospace plane are being made clear now.