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Rocketdyne RBCC Engine Concept DevelopmentBoeing Rocketdyne is pursuing the development of Rocket Based Combined Cycle (RBCC), propulsion systems as demonstrated by significant contract work in the hypersonic arena (ART, NASP, SCT, system studies) and over 12 years of steady company discretionary investment. The Rocketdyne concept is a fixed geometry integrated rocket, ramjet, scramjet which is hydrogen fueled and uses hydrogen regenerative cooling. The baseline engine structural configuration uses an integral structure that eliminates panel seals. seal purge gas, and closeout side attachments. Rocketdyne's experimental RBCC engine (Engine A5) was constructed under contract with the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center. Engine A5 models the complete flight engine flowpath consisting of an inlet, isolator, airbreathing combustor and nozzle. High performance rocket thrusters are integrated into the engine to enable both air-augmented rocket (AAR) and pure rocket operation. Engine A5 was tested in CASL's new FAST facility as an air-augmented rocket, a ramjet and a pure rocket. Measured performance demonstrated vision vehicle performance levels for Mach 3 AAR operation and ramjet operation from Mach 3 to 4. Rocket mode performance was above predictions. For the first time. testing also demonstrated transition from AAR operation to ramjet operation. This baseline configuration has also been shown, in previous testing, to perform well in the scramjet mode.
Document ID
19990046767
Acquisition Source
Marshall Space Flight Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
G. Ratckin
(Boeing (United States) Chicago, Illinois, United States)
A. Goldman
(Boeing (United States) Chicago, Illinois, United States)
P. Ortwerth
(Boeing (United States) Chicago, Illinois, United States)
S. Weisberg
(Boeing (United States) Chicago, Illinois, United States)
Date Acquired
August 19, 2013
Publication Date
September 5, 1999
Subject Category
Spacecraft Propulsion And Power
Meeting Information
Meeting: 14th International Symposium on Air Breathing Engines (ISABE)
Location: Florence
Country: IT
Start Date: September 5, 1999
End Date: September 10, 1999
Sponsors: International Society For Air Breathing Engines
Funding Number(s)
PROJECT: RTOP 242-72-01
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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