Advanced Full Range Engine (AFRE)
Abstract
The Advanced Full Range Engine (AFRE) program demonstrated turbine-based combined cycle (TBCC) technologies to establish the feasibility of a hypersonic reusable propulsion system. Specifically, AFRE demonstrated key components of the TBCC propulsion system at low speed where turbine propulsion is used, at high speed where a dual-mode ramjet (DMRJ) is used, and at turbine-to-DMRJ transition conditions. Large-scale components of this complex propulsion system were developed and demonstrated independently and experimentation focused on regimes where the propulsion system smoothly transitions from low-speed turbine only operation to high-speed DMRJ-only operation. AFRE will enable future airfield-based hypersonic systems to operate without special logistics considerations, resulting in transformational changes in long-range strike, high-speed Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) and Two-Stage-To-Orbit (TSTO) operations. The anticipated transition partner for this effort is the Air Force.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Accomplishment
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2023
- Source ID
- 5cab0b10badcfbc24377ec58ea8305a3