// ORBITAL LOGISTICS AND PROPULSION TERM
Ramjet
A ramjet is a type of jet engine that uses the forward motion of the aircraft to compress incoming air, rather than a fan or compressor, making it efficient at very high speeds.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
A ramjet is an air-breathing jet engine that utilizes the ram effect of the vehicle's forward motion to compress incoming air for combustion, operating efficiently at supersonic speeds (Mach 3-6) without rotating compressors or turbines.
BACKGROUND
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration is an independent agency of the U.S. federal government responsible for the United States' civil space program and for research in aeronautics and space. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., NASA operates ten field centers across the U.S. and is organized into three mission directorates: Human Spaceflight, Research and Technology, and Science. Established in 1958, NASA succeeded the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) to give the U.S. space program a distinct civilian orientation focused on peaceful applications. Since then, it has led most American spaceflight programs, including Project Mercury, Project Gemini, the Apollo program, Skylab, the Space Shuttle, the International Space Station (ISS) and the ongoing multi-national Artemis program.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- ram air jet
- supersonic combustionless engine
USAGE NOTE
Ramjets are considered for high-speed atmospheric flight and as upper stages for hypersonic vehicles.