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Scramjets

Overview

With its long history in the development of hypersonic engines, L3Harris is considered to be the leader in fuel-cooled hydrocarbon technology. We are currently developing a wide range of hypersonic propulsion system technologies applicable to aircraft and missiles, including high speed weapons, hypersonic cruise vehicles with rapid global reach for reconnaissance and strike missions, and concepts that will provide enhanced access to space.

On May 26, 2010, the X-51A WaveRider hypersonic vehicle, powered by L3Harris' scramjet engine, achieved aviation history by making the longest-ever supersonic combustion ramjet-powered flight.

L3Harris is developing propulsion solutions for hypersonic boosters that have to operate in all flight regimes. These include captive carry air launched, ground launched and sub-surface launch. Each regime has its own unique operating requirements and L3Harris is providing solutions that perform in all of them.

Key Features

L3Harris is a leader in Scramjet Technology. Scramjet propulsion systems include:

  • Dual Combustion Ramjet (DCR)
Dual Combustion Ramjet (DCR)
  • Core-Burning Dual Mode Ramjet
Core-Burning Dual Mode Ramjet

Dual Combustion Ramjet (DCR)

Our Dual Combustion Ramjet (DCR) Engine Cycle has mature propulsion performance and structural durability.

Dual Mode Ramjet (DMRJ AKA Scramjet)

Our Dual Mode Ramjet (DMRJ, aka "Scramjet") Engine Technology offers the following features:

  • Lighter Weight
  • Reduced Heat Load
  • Better Operability and higher Specific Thrust

A Dual Mode Ramjet is a Propulsion System which, dependent on the Flight Mach Number, operates in two Modes.

  • Mode 1: As a Ramjet With High Mach but Sub-sonic Combustion; the “Throat” is provided through Thermal Choking. An “Isolater” is required for lower Mach operation to provide a Combustor Entrance Pressure higher than the Combustion Pressure.
  • Mode 2: As a Scramjet With Supersonic Combustion.

Primary challenges are Fuel Conditioning, Vaporization, Mixing, and Combustion and Thermal Management.

DMRJs are suitable for Long Range Missiles and Reusable HCVs.

Latest News

L3Harris’ new ammonium perchlorate (AP) processing facility will enable the company’s Camden site to more efficiently screen and handle the ingredient used to make solid rocket motor propellant.

Editorial | 11. 14. 2024

L3Harris Technologies Begins Operations at New Solid Rocket Motor Propellant Processing Facility

L3Harris’ new ammonium perchlorate (AP) processing facility will enable the company’s Camden site to more efficiently screen and handle the ingredient used to make solid rocket motor propellant.

L3Harris’ new ammonium perchlorate (AP) processing facility will enable the company’s Camden site to more efficiently screen and handle the ingredient used to make solid rocket motor propellant.

Editorial | 11. 14. 2024

L3Harris Technologies Begins Operations at New Solid Rocket Motor Propellant Processing Facility

L3Harris Solid Rocket Motors

Press release | 11. 07. 2024

L3Harris Solid Rocket Motors Soar in Successful Flight Test

From sub-orbital space to the black depths of the sea, L3Harris is equipped to support multi-domain defense capabilities. (Photo Credit: L3Harris)

Editorial | 10. 08. 2024

From Sea to Space: L3Harris Provides Multi-domain Defense Solutions

L3Harris to Provide Propulsion for Hypersonic Defense System

Press release | 09. 26. 2024

L3Harris to Provide Propulsion for Hypersonic Defense System

L3Harris, the Trusted Disruptor in advanced hypersonic propulsion with 40 years of experience, stands ready to power operational hypersonic systems now.

Editorial | 09. 16. 2024

The Propulsion Technology is Ready to Power Operational Hypersonic Systems Now

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