View source for Rocket-based combined cycle

{{Short description|Type of multiple-engine configuration with a common intake, used in aircraft}}
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The '''RBCC''', or rocket-based combined cycle propulsion system, was one of the two types of propulsion systems that may have been tested in the [[Boeing X-43]] experimental aircraft.  The RBCC, or strutjet as it is sometimes called, is a combination propulsion system that consists of a [[ramjet]], [[scramjet]], and [[air-augmented rocket|ducted rocket]], where all three systems use a shared flow path.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20070211045732/http://www.affordablespaceflight.com/nasa2.html Sketch of a RBCC propulsion system (scroll down to 7th picture)]</ref>

A '''TBCC''', or turbine-based combined cycle propulsion system, is a [[Gas turbine|turbine engine]] combined with a [[ramjet]] and [[scramjet]].<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20070211045732/http://www.affordablespaceflight.com/nasa2.html Sketch of a TBCC propulsion system (scroll down to 5th picture)]</ref>

A '''TRCC''', or turbo rocket combined cycle propulsion system, is another combination propulsion system that combines an afterburning turbine engine with a RBCC propulsion system.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20070212020658/http://www.affordablespaceflight.com/nasa1.html Sketch of a TRCC propulsion system (scroll down to 9th picture)]</ref>

==See also==
* [[SABRE (rocket engine)|SABRE]] (Synergistic Air Breathing Rocket Engine), a pre-cooled air-breathing rocket/RAM-jet engine [[SABRE (rocket engine)#History|based on General Dynamics' exploration of LACE concepts]] (Liquid Air Cycle Engine) by Reaction Engines, UK.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.reactionengines.co.uk/press_release/3a_Milestone_Release_PUBLIC27Jan2015.pdf |title= Archived copy |accessdate=2015-02-27 |url-status=dead |archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20150402150244/http://www.reactionengines.co.uk/press_release/3a_Milestone_Release_PUBLIC27Jan2015.pdf |archivedate=2015-04-02}}</ref>

==References==
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==External links==
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20110610051911/http://gltrs.grc.nasa.gov/reports/2001/TM-2001-210953.pdf Performance Evaluation of the NASA GTX RBCC Flowpath ] - Glenn Research Center - NASA
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20080321075958/http://www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/RT/RT1997/5000/5880steffen.htm Parametric Study Conducted of Rocket-Based, Combined-Cycle Nozzles] - Glenn Research Center - NASA
* [http://www.spaceref.com/news/viewpr.html?pid=11878 Aerojet Successfully Tests RBCC Single Thruster, Demonstrating Tri-Fluid Rocket Injector Capabilities] -  SpaceRef
* [http://cat.inist.fr/?aModele=afficheN&cpsidt=19683011 Hypersonic inlet studies for a small-scale rocket-based combined-cycle engine], Journal of propulsion and power, 2007, vol. 23, no6, pp.&nbsp;1160–1167, AIAA.
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20110514154624/http://caius.utias.utoronto.ca/rbcc.html Rocket-Based Combined-Cycle Engine (RBCC): Ramrocket], University of Toronto, High-Speed Vehicle Propulsion Systems Group.

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[[Category:Jet engines]]


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