Ramjet

A ramjet is a form of airbreathing jet engine that requires forward motion of the engine to provide air for combustion. Ramjets work most efficiently at supersonic speeds around Mach 3 (2,300 mph; 3,700 km/h) and can operate up to Mach 6 (4,600 mph; 7,400 km/h).

Ramjets can be particularly appropriate in applications requiring a small, simple mechanism for high-speed use, such as missiles. The US, Canada, and UK adopted ramjet-powered missile defenses in the 1960s, such as the CIM-10 Bomarc and Bloodhound. Weapons designers are investigating ramjet technology for use in artillery shells to increase range; a 120 mm ramjet-assisted mortar shell is thought to be able to travel 35 km (22 mi).^[1] They have been used successfully, though not efficiently, as tip jets on the ends of helicopter rotors.^[2]

^ McNab, Chris; Keeter, Hunter (2008). "Death from a Distance Artillery". Tools of Violence: Guns, Tanks and Dirty Bombs. Oxford, United Kingdom: Osprey Publishing. p. 145. ISBN 978-1846032257. Retrieved 12 February 2016.
^ "Here Comes the Flying Stovepipe". TIME. Time Inc. 26 November 1965. Archived from the original on 8 April 2008. Retrieved 5 March 2024.

[ToV-1] McNab, Chris; Keeter, Hunter (2008). "Death from a Distance Artillery". Tools of Violence: Guns, Tanks and Dirty Bombs. Oxford, United Kingdom: Osprey Publishing. p. 145. ISBN 978-1846032257. Retrieved 12 February 2016.

[TIME_1965-11-26-2] "Here Comes the Flying Stovepipe". TIME. Time Inc. 26 November 1965. Archived from the original on 8 April 2008. Retrieved 5 March 2024.

[1]

[2]