Deployable power pack for a dual mode high speed propulsion system
An aero vehicle with a dual mode propulsion system that can operate in a first mode below a ramjet speed and a second mode at a ramjet speed. The first mode is operated using a compressor driven by an electric motor supplied with electrical power from a power pack. When the vehicle has reached a speed where the ramjet engine can operate, the power pack is dropped from the vehicle to decrease the weight of the vehicle.
1. An aero vehicle comprising:
a power plant to propel the aero vehicle;
the power plant being a dual mode propulsion system with a first mode operation and a second mode operation;
the second mode of operation is at a greater speed then the first mode operation;
a compressor driven by an electric motor for the first mode operation;
a power pack mounted to the aero vehicle to supply electrical power to the electric motor for the first mode operation; and,
the power pack being capable of being released from the aero vehicle prior to the second mode operation of the power plant.
2. The aero vehicle of claim 1 , and further comprising:
the power pack is mounted to an underside of the aero vehicle and centered about the aero vehicle center of gravity.
3. The aero vehicle of claim 1 , and further comprising:
the first mode operation is below a ramjet speed; and,
the second mode of operation is at ramjet speed.
4. The aero vehicle of claim 1 , and further comprising:
the dual mode propulsion system includes an outer annular duct burner and an inner annular core burner and a compressor located upstream of the core burner but inside of a flow path entering the duct burner;
the compressor providing compressed air to the core burner for propulsion below a ramjet speed; and,
the duct burner operating as a ramjet engine for propulsion at a ramjet speed.
5. The aero vehicle of claim 4 , and further comprising:
the electric motor is located in a housing at an inlet of the dual mode propulsion system and is supported by struts.
6. The aero vehicle of claim 1 , and further comprising:
the annular inner core burner is located radially inward of the annular outer duct burner.
7. A process for operating an aero vehicle having a dual mode propulsion system comprising the steps of:
operating the dual mode propulsion system in a first mode below a ramjet speed using a compressor driven by an electric motor supplied with electrical power from a power pack mounted to the aero vehicle;
dropping the power pack from the aero vehicle when the vehicle speed is fast enough for a ramjet engine to produce positive thrust; and,
operating the dual mode propulsion system as a ramjet engine.
8. The process for operating an aero vehicle having a dual mode propulsion system of claim 7 , and further comprising the step of:
mounting the power pack on an underside of the vehicle at substantially a center of gravity of the vehicle.