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This paper presents an advanced single stage-to-orbit (SSTO) design concept based on our understanding of Russian AJAX technologies. The concept brings together a unique set of subsystem components to enhance the performance of an advanced combined cycle engine powered SSTO design concept. A magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) generator-accelerator energy bypass system is used to maintain subsonic flow in the engine combustion chamber. And, an electromagnetic drag reduction system is used to reduce wave and base drag during ascent and reentry. The performance of the advanced highly reusable SSTO is compared to a reference advanced air-breathing rocket-based combined cycle ejector ram-scramjet powered SSTO design concept. The results indicate an approximate 15% performance increase compared to the reference design.

This paper looks at the future potential of uninhabited air vehicles, UAVs. The paper begins with a rationale as to why UAVs are needed. A taxonomy of future potential UAVs is presented. Three generic types of UAVs are identified as surveillance and reconnaissance, combat and support aircraft. A total of sixteen possible UAVs are identified. Each one is discussed in terms of mission capabilities. The paper concludes with several “out of the box” concepts, and concludes with a summnary of the potential role of UAVs.

This paper presents a Military Space Plane design concept. While the current military space plane activity is focused on rocket-powered concepts, the concept presented here is powered by a rocket-based combined cycle engine that uses both rocket and air-breathing engine cycles. The design concept is the reference SSTO design concept used in the NASA HRST ANSER study. The reference concept is a derivative of the NASA air-breathing Access to Space study SSTO design concept. The Access to Space air-breathing vehicle's combined cycle engine was replaced by the Aerojet rocket-based combined cycle engine. The orbital performance capability of the reference design concept is presented for 100 n mi., polar, and 225 n mi., 51 deg. orbits. The sensitivity of GTOW to payload and margin is also presented.

The Air Force Scientific Advisory Board (AF SAB) reviewed the status of aeronautical technology in the United States during the Global Reach-Global Power 1992 summer study. The AF SAB found that sufficient progress had been made in the areas of aerodynamics, materials and structures, propulsion, and fuels during the past decade to support consideration of a new generation of aircraft. Of special interest were the advancements in technology under the National Aero-Space Plane (NASP) program. The realization of unrefuled, hypersonic global range flight could have a significant impact on both commercial and military aircraft in the 21st century. This paper presents the results of a study done for the Air Force on the technical feasibility of an un-refueled, global range hypersonic aircraft. The results of the study indicate that it does not appear feasible in the foreseeable future to achieve an un-refueled hypersonic global range capability without a major technological break-through.