// PROPULSION SYSTEMS AND ENGINE TECHNOLOGY TERM
Ramjet
A ramjet is a type of jet engine that uses the aircraft's forward speed to force and compress air into the engine, instead of using a rotating compressor. It works best at very high (supersonic) speeds and needs to be launched to an initial high velocity.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
A ramjet is an air-breathing jet engine optimized for sustained supersonic flight, which leverages the ram effect of its high forward velocity to adiabatically compress intake air through a diffuser, followed by combustion and expulsion of high-velocity exhaust gases to generate thrust, operating without turbomachinery.
BACKGROUND
Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR) is a missile propulsion system currently being developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation of India. The project aims to develop critical technologies required in the propulsion systems of future Indian long range air-to-air missiles.
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USAGE NOTE
Ramjets are typically employed in high-speed missiles and experimental aircraft, often requiring an initial rocket booster or other propulsion system to reach operational speeds.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Ramjet.
A leader in propulsion systems, Aerojet Rocketdyne develops advanced air-breathing engines, including ramjets and scramjets, for high-speed and hypersonic applications.
Through its subsidiaries, RTX is a major developer of missile systems and advanced propulsion technologies, including ramjet engines for hypersonic weapons.
A global security and aerospace company, Lockheed Martin is heavily involved in the development of advanced hypersonic vehicles and the ramjet/scramjet propulsion systems required for them.
Northrop Grumman is a key developer of advanced aerospace systems, including propulsion technologies for hypersonic applications that leverage ramjet and scramjet designs.
As a major aerospace company, Boeing conducts research and development into advanced propulsion systems, including those for high-speed flight and hypersonic concepts that utilize ramjet technology.
A high-technology company, Safran is involved in aerospace propulsion and has participated in research and development for high-speed air-breathing engines, including ramjets, particularly in European collaborative projects.
DARPA funds and manages numerous research programs focused on advanced propulsion and hypersonic flight, including critical technologies for ramjet and scramjet engines.