RAMJET PROPULSION FOR PROJECTILES-AN OVERVIEW OF WORLDWIDE ACHIEVEMENTS AND FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES
R.G. Veraar, R. Oosthuisen, K. Andersson
Abstract
Ramjet propulsion for gun-launched projectiles has received substantial attention since the invention of the ramjet engine concept in 1913. After the second World War, projectiles using solid fuel gained interest due to their inherent simplicity and robustness. Throughout the world, research and development programs have been and still are being executed on the topic of solid-fuel ramjet projectiles. In this paper the authors intend to give an overview of the worldwide activities in this field. To this end an extensive literature review is executed, which gives a clear view on the activities performed over the years by the research institutes and companies of different countries. The paper is concluded by a summary of the main achievements of all the work on solid-fuel ramjet projectiles as well as of the remaining challenges. In addition, an outlook of this technology field into the future is given by indicating some opportunities that may be within reach with the present state-of-the-art of solid-fuel ramjet projectile technology. (C) 2022 by Begell House, Inc.