Liquefying Fuel Ramjets for Missile Applications Navy SBIR FY2014.1 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2014.1 Topic No.: N141-011 Topic Title: Liquefying Fuel Ramjets for Missile Applications Proposal No.: N141-011-0626 Firm: Space Propulsion Group, Inc PO 60972 Palo Alto, California 94306 Contact: Brian Evans Phone: (408) 568-8575 Abstract: The use of a ramjet motor in a tactical system offers significant performance advantages over a typical boost sustain propulsion system. SPG, Inc. proposes to conduct a study demonstrating the feasibility of solid-fuel ramjet (SFRJ) utilizing paraffin-based solid fuels for tactical applications that require high speed and long range performance. In addition, a novel liquefying ramjet will be designed, aiming for improved combustion efficiency and flame holding characteristics. SFRJ propulsion offers many advantages over a traditional boost-sustain tactical system. Potential increases in range of more than 4 times that of a typical boost-sustain tactical system are possible using paraffin solid fuels in a ramjet configuration. The incorporation of energetic additives (e.g., boron) further increases the potential range of the system. Additives will be evaluated to determine the propulsive performance gains from inclusion. Selected fuel formulations will be evaluated using an in-house flyout code to calculate the theoretical range of the system. Fuel formulations for evaluation in Phase II will be selected at the end of the period. Static test firings will be completed with a baseline paraffin fuel. Tests will demonstrate the range of throttling and combustion efficiency will be measured for the baseline fuel in traditional SFRJ configuration. Benefits: The key customer for the technology being developed is the government. The application of the fuel formulation and combustor technology to long-range tactical systems will generate a system with increased range and mission flexibility compared to a traditional boost-sustain system. The use of such systems has a wide range of application including upgrades to the numerous missile systems and future missile systems for the US government. The increased range and mission capability due to increased total impulse of systems using SFRJ operation is a major benefit. The capability of SPG to develop state-of-the-art SFRJ propulsion systems for such vehicles presents the possibility for a reliance on our technology for future systems developed for military application. Once demonstrated, DoD-sponsored projects/programs will find the use of this technology very attractive. A fully developed SFRJ technology will provide increased competition and possibly lowered costs for a variety of government purchased propulsion systems. Applications of proposed technologies have applications in most DoD environments. Return