Hypersonic propulsion flight tests as essential to air-breathing aerospace plane developmentHypersonic air-breathing propulsion utilizing scramjets can fundamentally change transatmospheric acclerators for transportation from low Earth orbits (LEOs). The value and limitations of ground tests, of flight tests, and of computations are presented, and scramjet development requirements are discussed. Near-full-scale hypersonic propulsion flight tests are essential for developing a prototype hypersonic propulsion system and for developing computation-design technology that can be used in designing that system. In order to determine how these objectives should be achieved, some lessons learned from past programs are presented. A conceptual two-stage-to-orbit (TSTO) prototype/experimental aerospace plane is recommended as a means of providing access-to-space and for conducting flight tests. A road map for achieving these objectives is also presented.
Document ID
19950058869
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Mehta, U. (NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, California, United States)
Date Acquired
August 16, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1995
Subject Category
Launch Vehicles And Space Vehicles
Report/Patent Number
AIAA PAPER 95-6156
Meeting Information
Meeting: AIAA, Aerospace Planes and Hypersonics Technologies Conference