Methodologies involved in the Design of LAPCAT-MR1 : a Hypersonic Cruise Passenger Vehicle

This paper introduces the methodology and lessons learned during the design of the LAPCAT MR1 hypersonic passenger vehicle. The MR1 was designed for Mach 8 cruise flight and antipodal ranges for up 300 passengers using a turbine based combined cycle which included Ramjet and Scramjet propulsion at high Mach numbers. Waverider design methods were used to create an aerodynamic system with sufficient lift capabilities over the entire Mach range. The propulsion system is a dorsal type as opposed to most hypersonic vehicle designs. Preliminary design alterations which are being incorporated as part of the second phase design are introduced.