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I was under the impression that scramjets have to already going really fast before the scramjet engine can start to work. Is that not the case?

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Oh, I see. But, I dunno man, using three types of propulsion sounds the added weight of all that would be a disadvantage.

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OOH. Sorry, I didn't understand. Now that I do though..Well, fantastic idea.

Yeah, a ramrocket (as they are also called) would be a great way to get into space, or at least most of the way there. The downside is no one can build one yet. Only the Russians have even tried, and only achieved very limited success.

There was a great university research team I found which was using CFD to research air flows in different types of ramrocket (and also scramjets), but alas I cannot find it again.

The other problem with the design is that you need to re-ignite the rocket section to get into orbit properly. You can reach orbital velocity, or enough height to achieve orbit, with a scramjet, but not both at once, as the engines cut out after a certain height.

Personally, I'm still doubtful of the uses of air-breathing rockets in orbital flight. Sub-orbital flights are another matter, but there are so many problems associated with flying in an atmosphere at hypersonic speeds. Even most missiles avoid it if possible.

Is pulse detonation another term for the concept Ulrich Walter has described?

In his book he is describing a spacecraft experimental propelled by impacts of pieces that were parts of small bombs accelerated to the backside of the craft by the detonation of the bombs. This experimental craft was called "Put-Put".

I'm doubting a little bit but it may be right.

The concept described by Walter can be developed further to use impacts into a magnetic field instead of into a plate of steel - is that possible concerning your idea too?



Dipl.-Volkswirt (bdvb) Augustin (Political Economist)

Wow, this engine looks very appealing to a SSTO HTOL spacecraft I had dreamed up - you can see it in the Orion Space Shuttle thread. I'm curious, if you visited that thread (right here in the tech forum), how many engines and about what mass of fuel would you need to power something like that (approx a bit bigger than an XB-70 Valkyrie) into space? And what timeline do you think it could be constructed on? The concept is very appealing.

It's just a shame that in all probability, no one knows how to build one. And probably will not for some time to come

No time like the present to start learning how. Wouldn't you agree, whonos?