Research on TBCC Propulsion for a Mach 4.5 Supersonic Cruise Airliner

This paper describes the results of cycle analyses and systems studies on different TBCC engines for utilization as the propulsion of a Mach 4.5 supersonic cruise airliner. The generic reference vehicle is designed for the ultra long-ha ul mission from Brussels to Sydney. Design considerations and the overall size and mass of the airliner are outlined. Historical SST airplane engines of Concorde, Tu-144, and the Boeing 2707 are recalculated and analyzed in their performance. In a next step the TBCC propulsion system of the generic Mach 4.5 supersonic cruise airliner is defined and turbojet as well as variable cycle engines are investigated. Thermodynamic performance data are calculated and the overall performance in a realistic flight mission is evaluated. The obt ained data of the different cycles are compared.