Wed, May 06, 2009
OK... Around Here That WINS Bragging Rights
Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne's
PWR-9221FJ dual-mode ramjet engine has successfully completed its
first ground test at Mach 4 flight conditions at the Arnold
Engineering Development Center, Tullahoma, Tenn. PWR tells us that
a dual-mode ramjet engine is a key technology for developing
reusable hypersonic vehicles.
"Successful demonstration of the dual-mode ramjet engine
integrated with a variable geometry inlet and exhaust nozzle sets
the stage for future turbine-based, combined-cycle propulsion and
flight demonstration opportunities," said Cal DeFreese, program
manager, Falcon Combined-Cycle Engine Technology (FaCET), Pratt
& Whitney Rocketdyne.
"Current testing is focused on
validating the operability and robustness of the dual-mode ramjet
design during simulated transitions from turbojet to ramjet
propulsion modes."
A dual-mode ramjet engine is designed to operate as both a
ramjet at moderate supersonic speeds (up to Mach 5) and a scramjet
at hypersonic speeds (greater than Mach 5). This broad range of
operational capability is required for turbine-based,
combined-cycle propulsion that would enable a vehicle to take off
from and land on a conventional runway, and travel at speeds up to
Mach 6.
The tests are being conducted as part of the Defense Advanced
Research Projects Agency's FaCET program; Pratt & Whitney
Rocketdyne is a principal contractor to Lockheed Martin on the
program. Additional tests over the next two months are designed to
check the integrated system performance from Mach 3 to Mach 6
flight conditions.
More News
DETRESFA (Distress Phrase) The code word used to designate an emergency phase wherein there is reasonable certainty that an aircraft and its occupants are threatened by grave and i>[...]
"General aviation is at the forefront of developing and introducing innovative technologies that will transform the entire aviation industry..." Source: Kyle Martin, Vice President>[...]
Direct Straight line flight between two navigational aids, fixes, points, or any combination thereof. When used by pilots in describing off-airway routes, points defining direct ro>[...]
Aero Linx: Women in Corporate Aviation Women in Corporate Aviation support individuals seeking career advancement and professional development in the business aviation industry. Me>[...]
“We would like to thank the many volunteers that help throughout the year to pull off the event, as well as the several reviewers, judges, and SURVICE staff that provide team>[...]