by WaltBJ <waltbj01@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
Jan 19, 2008 at 06:22 PM
On Jan 19, 7:49 am, "dracofr...@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
" <dracofr...@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
wrote:
> Alright, I have a question about potential performance of an engine
> I'm thinking of, for those out there more versed in physics or
> aerospace engineering than myself (should be most of y'all, heh).
>
> I've heard of ejector ramjets or ducted rockets as a relatively simple
> mechanism for greatly improving the performance and isp of a rocket in
> an atmosphere.
SNIP:
The problem is that space-bound rockets are only in the atmosphere for
a minute or so.
As early as about 45000 feet you're outside about 7/8 of the
atmosphere. I believe the
designers decided what improvement is available wasn't worth the
trouble. The ejector
principle is used in the SR71 - you can see the ejector intakes just
forward of the ends
of the engine pods, but then the Blackbird lives in the atmosphere..
Walt BJ
