Development of hydrocarbon-fueled scramjet engines: The Hypersonic Technology (HyTech) program

The Hypersonic Technology (HyTech) program was initiated in 1995 to maintain a core competency in hypersonic technologies after the cancellation of the National Aerospace Plane program. HyTech is focused on expanding the technology base for liquid-hydrocarbon-fueled scramjet propulsion systems and is complementary in many ways to similar hydrogen-fueled hypersonic programs, such as Hyper-X. The overall effort consists of government sponsored industry efforts and an in-house technology base program. The technical challenges of these efforts associated with successful scramjet operation are addressed, which include activity in inlet/isolator operation, combustor operation and stability, nozzle operation, material advancement, fuel system development and integration and operability. The program has positively demonstrated the technologies that are critical to successful scramjet operation. The current status of work in each of these areas is discussed, followed by a discussion of upcoming activities for the, program.