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

The Hypersonic Technology (HyTech) program was initiated in 1995 to maintai n a core competency in hypersonic technologies after the cancellation of th e National Aerospace Plane program. HyTech is focused on expanding the tech nology base for liquid-hydrocarbon-fueled scramjet propulsion systems and i s complementary in many ways to similar hydrogen-fueled hypersonic programs , such as Hyper-X. The overall effort consists of government sponsored indu stry efforts and an in-house technology base program. The technical challen ges of these efforts associated with successful scramjet operation are addr essed, which include activity in inlet/isolator operation, combustor operat ion and stability, nozzle operation, material advancement, fuel system deve lopment and integration and operability. The program has positively demonst rated 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.