I’ve been reading a bit about the Meteor BVR missile, and other than it’s powered by a ramjet and has constant thrust from launch to intercept, I can’t find out what sort of fuel it uses. One source said something about a “solid fuel” for the ramjet, but it didn’t go into any detail.
What I’m wondering is does it use a liquid fuel and is this a combination that has a shelf life?
By: turboshaft - 21st May 2007 at 04:53
Liquid-fueled propulsion was considered during the early days of the project, with Aerospatiale offering a design based on the ASMP powerplant.
Interesting to see that MBDA just last week acquired Bayern-Chemie.
By: roberto_yeager - 14th May 2007 at 08:33
Yes, Spain signed a contract for the integration on the FA-18 some month ago
1Saludo
By: Arabella-Cox - 12th May 2007 at 16:45
I’m sure it’s possible, the missile is designed to fit AMRAAM attachment points and uses a standard data interface. If someone was willing to pay for release trials and software integration I’m sure it could be used on any AIM-120 capable launch aircraft. Who knows, Spain operates F/A-18s 🙂
By: Rogerout - 12th May 2007 at 16:24
Integration to other fighters?
Another question on Meteor, I know it’s meant to be integrated with Typhoon, Gripen and Rafale. Also F-35 was supposed to have it, bit it’s now a bit unsure.
But would it be possible to integrate it to other fighters, like F-16 and F-18 too if any of it’s operators were prepared to pay the costs?
What buses and datalinks are required to launch the Meteor, and would the owners of the Meteor project be willing to allow the integration if it’s someone outside the project?
By: RPG type 7v - 10th May 2007 at 13:30
That’s interesting if they really use boron in the mix. It’s been the next wonder fuel for about 50 years now but AFAIK it wasn’t used due to its toxicity.
not only that but its very expencive.
By: kfeltenberger - 27th April 2007 at 16:43
It’s a solid fuel (boron) ramjet. here is a link to the manufacturer of the ramjet (Bayern Chemie). http://www.bayernchemie-protac.com/meteor.htm
Pretty damned impressive! Thanks for the link and info!
Kurt
By: sferrin - 27th April 2007 at 13:00
It’s a solid fuel (boron) ramjet. here is a link to the manufacturer of the ramjet (Bayern Chemie). http://www.bayernchemie-protac.com/meteor.htm
That’s interesting if they really use boron in the mix. It’s been the next wonder fuel for about 50 years now but AFAIK it wasn’t used due to its toxicity.
By: aurcov - 27th April 2007 at 05:48
It’s a solid fuel (boron) ramjet. here is a link to the manufacturer of the ramjet (Bayern Chemie). http://www.bayernchemie-protac.com/meteor.htm
By: sferrin - 27th April 2007 at 04:43
I’ve been reading a bit about the Meteor BVR missile, and other than it’s powered by a ramjet and has constant thrust from launch to intercept, I can’t find out what sort of fuel it uses. One source said something about a “solid fuel” for the ramjet, but it didn’t go into any detail.
What I’m wondering is does it use a liquid fuel and is this a combination that has a shelf life?
Just my WAG but they probably use something similar to solid rocket propellant but without the oxidizer or maybe even just LESS oxidizer.
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April 26, 2007 at 9:31 pm