02-02-2012, 12:14 PM
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
