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Propulsion and Energy Issues for the 21st Century

This report provides a review and capability projection for a number of propulsion technology t0pics
that could ensure and significantly enhance NATO air dominance well into the next century.
The main topic deals with a “Hypersonic Air Breathing Missile" that discusses in an exemplary way the
military uses and technology requirements for a new weapon with unprecedented capabilities. This
hypersonic missile, traveling at speeds between Mach 6—8, could be used as a medium distance weapon
against hardened ground targets, very high value aerial targets, or time critical targets such as mobile
theater ballistic missile launchers. Launched from the ground or air, it would cover up to 1500
kilometers in about 15 minutes and be virtually indefensible due to its hypersonic speed. The critical
technology is the scramjet engine operating on a liquid hydrocarbon fuel that permits immediate launch
and full control of engine power throughout the flight path. Detailed application and technology
requirements are described.
Maintaining air dominance in the battlefield is predicated on controlling the air space with a variety of
air vehicles and missile systems; these are generally powered by gas turbine engines and rocket motors.
Gas turbines will continue to be the most cost effective propulsor that can provide the necessary power
for manoeuverability, armament control and mission flexibility. Rocket engines offer very high specific
power that is a fundamental requirement for many types of missiles and boosters. A technology
development survey is given that briefly describes the considerable improvements to be expected in
performance and economics. Doubling the range and halving the reaction time for fighter and global
strike aircraft, and increasing by 50% the reach of global transport aircraft are well within sight.
Three examples are given that introduce or foster new types of propulsion. The pulse detonation wave
engine offers a marked increase in efficiency and a simplification of design over current rocket and
ramjet engines. Gun projectiles may be driven electrically or by liquid charges, both of which promise
to overcome the limitations posed by high energy solid propellants. Laser power beaming offers a
means of transferring energy to vehicles over large distances. Despite the immense technological
complexity, it may open entirely new roads for powering aerial vehicles in the more distant future. First
applications may be in repowering satellites for extended operations and shifting of orbits.
These technology and application reviews were originally developed under the auspices of the AGARD
Aerospace 2020 Study. They are based on input from the AGARD Propulsion and Energetics and other
Panels, the Aerospace Applications Study Committee of AGARD, and many contributions from outside
AGARD. This report is but one example of the value that AGARD has provided to the military
community, often at very short notice, over the past 45 years of its history.