Thu, Aug 12, 2010
Up To Now, Ramjets Have Relied On Liquid Propellant
An advanced solid ramjet fuel has been successfully tested in
an engine ground test by Aerojet, the company said today
Tuesday. The fuel is being developed to provide long-range,
high-speed capability for the U.S. military and potentially for the
future USAF/Navy Joint Dual Role Air Dominance Missile
(JDRADM).
Ramjet engines have historically used liquid fuel which mixes
with atmospheric air in order to provide thrust at high speed.
However, for tactical missiles, the military services have
expressed interest in a storable solid fuel. In order to meet this
need, Aerojet developed the world's first throttleable solid-fueled
ramjet for the U.S. Navy GQM-163A Coyote missile target starting in
the year 2000. Since that time, Aerojet has been developing a
family of advanced formulations called AerGen(TM) fuels with
properties suitable for a tactical missile ramjet engine. The fuel
burns very efficiently, resulting in more delivered energy and
reduced visible exhaust.
The ground testing was conducted at Aerojet's Airbreathing Test
Facility located in Orange County, VA. A full-scale engine was
tested at conditions simulating high-altitude, high-speed flight.
"Our airbreathing propulsion business represents cutting-edge
technology aimed at future military requirements," said Aerojet
Vice President and Deputy to the President, Dick Bregard. "Aerojet
is proud to demonstrate our commitment to advancing our country's
military capability through this innovative ramjet fuel
research."
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