Wed, Aug 03, 2005
Mach 7 Tests Planned Next Year
Pratt & Whitney (P&W) Space
Propulsion recently completed fabrication of a hypersonic Ground
Demonstration Engine (GDE-2) successfully completing a three-phase,
nine-year, $58 million contract with the US Air Force Research
Laboratory (AFRL). The GDE-2 is unique in that it features a
variable geometry inlet and a bolted construction, simulating the
configuration of a reusable access-to-space or global-reach
propulsion system.
The GDE-2 is undergoing preparations for testing at NASA-Langley
Research Center (LaRC). The first phase of the test program, which
will evaluate the engine's operation and performance at Mach 5
conditions, is scheduled to begin in October.
"GDE-2 is a fully integrated engine that will lead to advances
in hypersonic flight systems," said P&W's Hydrocarbon Scramjet
Engine Technology (HySET) Program Manager Denis Medwick. "This will
be the first time a hydrocarbon-fueled scramjet propulsion system,
which includes a single integrated flow path, fuel control system,
closed-loop thermal management system and a Full Authority Digital
Engine Control, is tested at hypersonic conditions." P&W is
developing hypersonic propulsion systems for strike, global-reach
and access-to-space applications.
The GDE-2 program will examine the functionality of these
integrated technologies during Mach 5 ground testing. A second test
program to evaluate the operation of the engine at Mach 7
conditions is planned for next year. A P&W, US Air Force and
Boeing team will use results from the GDE-2 test program in their
Scramjet Engine Demonstrator - Wave Rider flight demonstration
program scheduled to fly in 2008.
The GDE-2 engine was developed under the HySET program, a
three-phase hypersonic technology program sponsored by the AFRL to
develop and demonstrate a Mach 4-8 hydrocarbon-fueled scramjet
propulsion system.
In July 2003, P&W Space Propulsion teamed with US Air Force
researchers under the HySET program and completed ground testing of
the GDE-1 engine at speeds of Mach 4.5 and Mach 6.5. GDE-1 was the
world's first flight-weight, hydrocarbon-fueled scramjet engine. It
used standard JP-7 fuel to cool both engine hardware and fuel the
engine's combustor.
More News
Capsized Vessel Located Near Dauphin Island, Alabama The Coast Guard rescued four boaters after their vessel capsized near Dauphin Island, Alabama, Thursday. Coast Guard District E>[...]
Reserve Components Looking to Improve In-House General Atomics Aeronautical Systems announced a fresh order for a dozen Gray Eagle 25M UAVs with accompanying equipment, for fulfill>[...]
Brand New! Avoid The Need For A Comeback... Get Your Marketing Right, Right Now! Some time ago, the Aero-News Network, responding to numerous requests, established a marketing and >[...]
Also: Hubble On Pause, FedEx Pilots Picket, Nexus eVTOL, VFS Honors The Rotax folks have published a Service Bulletin after issues were noted that may affect all R915i and R916i se>[...]
John W. Winter of AEA and Avionic Fame Passes John W. Winter brought Mid-Continent Instrument Company into the modern era in 1980, purchasing the firm and using it as a base for ex>[...]