Rocket-based combined cycle
The RBCC, or Rocket-Based Combined Cycle propulsion system, is one of the two types of propulsion systems that may be tested in the Boeing X-43 experimental aircraft. The RBCC, or strutjet as it is sometimes called, is a combination propulsion system that consists of a ramjet, scramjet, and ducted rocket, where all three systems use a shared flow path.[1]
It has been speculated that aerospace engineer Richard Foster originally introduced the term RBCC into the aerospace nomenclature.
A TBCC, or Turbine Based Combined Cycle propulsion system, is a turbine engine combined with a ramjet and scramjet.[2]
A TRCC, or Turbo Rocket Combined Cycle propulsion system, is another combination propulsion system that combines an afterburning turbine engine with a RBCC propulsion system.[3]
See also
- Air-augmented rocket
- SABRE (Synergistic Air Breathing Rocket Engine) a pre-cooled air-breathing rocket/RAM-jet engine based on General Dynamics' exploration of LACE concepts (Liquid Air Cycle Engine) developed by Reaction Engines, UK, scheduled for first delivery 2019.[4]
External links
- Performance Evaluation of the NASA GTX RBCC Flowpath - Glenn Research Center - NASA
- Parametric Study Conducted of Rocket-Based, Combined-Cycle Nozzles - Glenn Research Center - NASA
- Aerojet Successfully Tests RBCC Single Thruster, Demonstrating Tri-Fluid Rocket Injector Capabilities - SpaceRef
- Hypersonic inlet studies for a small-scale rocket-based combined-cycle engine, Journal of propulsion and power, 2007, vol. 23, no6, pp. 1160–1167, AIAA.
- Rocket-Based Combined-Cycle Engine (RBCC): Ramrocket, University of Toronto, High-Speed Vehicle Propulsion Systems Group.
References
- Sketch of a RBCC propulsion system (scroll down to 7th picture)
- Sketch of a TBCC propulsion system (scroll down to 5th picture)
- Sketch of a TRCC propulsion system (scroll down to 9th picture)
- "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2015-04-02. Retrieved 2015-02-27.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)