SCRAMJET ENGINE

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SCRAMJET

A scramjet (supersonic combustion ramjet) is a variation of a ramjet with the key difference being that the flow in the combustor is supersonic.


The first successful launch (Hyshot II) was of a University of Queensland scramjet on 30 July 2002.

NASA first flew thrust producing scramjet powered vehicle in 2004 with the X-43A. It set a new speed record of 12,144 km/h (7,546 mph), or Mach 9.8, on November 16, 2004.


Advantages

No rotating parts makes it easier to manufacture

Does not have to carry oxygen

Higher speed could mean cheaper access to outer space in the future


Disadvantages

Additional propulsion requirements

Testing difficulties

Lack of stealth