Combined cycle propulsion for hypersonic flight

Abstract Major advances in air breathing/combined cycle propulsion for hypersonic flight during the past three decades are reviewed. A proliferation of combined cycle concepts were identified and studied in sufficient detail to permit trade-off analyses to be conducted during the 1950's and 1960's. During the two decades from approximately 1965 to 1985 only limited research was conducted on hypersonic air breathing propulsion. Summarized results of these studies are reviewed, which represent the broad data base for recent advances in combined cycle propulsion. The remainder of this paper discusses propulsion related technology issues which must be addressed in future combined cycle development programs.