https://newatlas.com/aircraft/oblique-w ... sonic-ucf/
Wonder how they'll solve heat friction issue for an aircraft travelling at Mach 17?
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Re: Oblique Wave Detonation Engine May Unlock Mach 17 Aircraft
there's not a radar or missile defense system in the world that could cope with a hypersonic missile at this point.
That's not quite true. ICBMs reenter at significantly higher speeds and there are systems that can intercept them. At high altitudes, even surface radar can detect such missiles from far away.
I also see cooling as a great challenge for sustained flight at such speeds. Especially the engine section where the shockwave (and explosion) touch the engine surface will be very hot. Could be manageable for a short (<30s) boost phase followed by a semi-ballistic glide to the target, though.
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- flyingturtle
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Re: Oblique Wave Detonation Engine May Unlock Mach 17 Aircraft
Hm, the reentry vehicles of ICBMs surely use ablative cooling. Aircraft can't use that.
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- Francoflier
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Re: Oblique Wave Detonation Engine May Unlock Mach 17 Aircraft
Also, IIRC, ICBMs follow mostly ballistic, predictable trajectories with little steering ability. They're fast, but they're just essentially falling, giving you plenty of time to calculate an interception solution.
Missiles, on the other hand, would presumably be powered throughout the flight and maneuverable, which would make them a lot trickier to counter.
That engine technology sounds fascinating.
I wonder how long they can expect to maintain that sustained detonation before materials just aren't strong enough to sustain the pressures and temperatures, especially around the ramp.
I think it may be hard to keep it going for for than a few minutes at most, but that's all you need for a missile I guess.
Missiles, on the other hand, would presumably be powered throughout the flight and maneuverable, which would make them a lot trickier to counter.
That engine technology sounds fascinating.
I wonder how long they can expect to maintain that sustained detonation before materials just aren't strong enough to sustain the pressures and temperatures, especially around the ramp.
I think it may be hard to keep it going for for than a few minutes at most, but that's all you need for a missile I guess.
Re: Oblique Wave Detonation Engine May Unlock Mach 17 Aircraft
It’s interesting, but one demonstration in a lab setting is a long way from a real prototype that can get built/work in the upper atmosphere.