Rocket Based Combined Cycle Using a Rotating Detonation Rocket Engine and Ramjet

Rocket Based Combined Cycle (RBCC) using a Rotating Detonation Rocket Engine (RDRE) and ramjet is examined at a vehicle performance system level and compared to Turbine Based Combined Cycle (TBCC) approaches. Venus Aerospace has developed parametric models based on in-house RDRE test data. Velontra has built and extensively tested a ramjet for integration with the Venus RDRE for an RBCC configuration. The test-data-anchored analysis shows that the RBCC has clear advantages over a TBCC-powered vehicle. All results show that the RDRE ramjet RBCC has a greater payload capacity (1.5-2x) for a given range or a 1.5x range for a given payload than TBCC. The next steps are continued ground test anchoring and performance testing of the integrated engine, component testing, and flight testing.