Use of Navy External Combustion Engine Technology: For Ultra High Altitude Aircraft Propulsion Systems

摘要

Conceptual design considerations specifically for the application of United States Navy external combustion engine technology in ultra high altitude aircraft including general feasibility study results are presented. The performance data available on existing engines is scaled to identify the system performance of a theoretical application. The results of the studies are used for comparison to ultra high altitude aircraft systems presently in operation. This technology represents an existing low cost alternative to development of high performance turbine or multiple stage turbocharged internal combustion engines for short duration missions at altitudes up to 100,000 feet.