Supersonic combustion ramjet (SCRJ) engine research and development begun some 40 years ago is the key to airbreathing hypersonic flight. Many unexpected complexities of SCRJ engine combustion and combustor-inlet interaction have been continuing challenges. However, valuable progress has been made in several aspects. In the next few years, it would appear that significant flight testing will take place in several countries and this should lead to further understanding of SCRJ processes in engine design for cruise and accelerator vehicle applications. This volume - the third and final in a mini-series on hypersonic propulsion along with High Speed Flight Propulsion Systems, volume 137, and Developments in High Speed Flight Propulsion Systems, volume 165 - presents a comprehensive and detailed exposition of the gradual maturing of scramjet technologies. Developments in several parts of the world are described by those intimately involved in the main stream of SCRJ activities. It is clear that fresh opportunities exist to improve the robustness of high-speed-fight propulsion, and this book offers a timely lead to a new entrant to this technology as well as new insights to specialists.

There have been impressive achievements in the last few years in the technologies associated with turboramjets and other combined cycle engines. These technologies, including their thermal management and integration with the vehicle, are the principal concerns of this volume. Drawing on the expertise of international engineers and researchers in the field of high-speed vehicle propulsion systems, these articles, written by experts from the United States, Russia, Germany, Japan, Belgium, and Israel, highlight developments in the industry.