Rocket based combined cycle propulsion unit having external rocket thrusters
US8256203B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 28, 2008 |
| Grant date | Sep 4, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 20, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF02K9/78
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The present disclosure generally pertains to rocket based combined cycle (RBCC) propulsion units. In one exemplary embodiment, at least one rocket thruster is integrated with a jet engine but is external to the flow path of the jet engine, forming an altitude compensating plug nozzle. Since the rocket thruster is external to such flow path, the rocket flow from the rocket thruster interacts with the jet flow from the jet engine aft of the nozzle of the jet engine. Such interaction occurs without a significant performance penalty in the operation of the jet engine. In fact, it is possible that the interaction of the rocket flow with the jet flow may actually improve the efficiency of the jet engine under some conditions. Moreover, having the rocket thrusters positioned external to the flow path of the jet engine helps to avoid many of the problems plaguing conventional RBCC propulsion units.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.