The quest for hypersonic flight with air-breathing propulsion

Abstract

This paper details the past achievements in air breathing powered hypersonic aircraft and launch vehicles, the critical technology needs, and the integration of those technologies into viable hypersonic aircraft and launch vehicles. Key milestones in airbreathing powered hypersonic flight are identified and their contributions to hypersonic flight are discussed. The paper concludes with a description of the next critical step to be undertaken jointly by DARPA and the Air Force, a turbine based combined cycle engine powered, Mach 6 reusable flight demonstrator.