JDRADM likely to have unique TVC

Looks like a ramjaet may still be in the works for JDRADM.

http://www.defense-aerospace.com/article-view/release/117150/aerojet-demos-next_gen-solid-ramjet-fuel.html

Aerojet Successfully Demonstrates Next Generation Solid Ramjet Fuel

(Source: Aerojet; issued August 10, 2010)

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Aerojet, a GenCorp company, announced today that it has successfully tested an advanced solid ramjet fuel in an engine ground test. The fuel is being developed to provide long-range, high-speed capability for the U.S. military and potentially for the future USAF/Navy Joint Dual Role Air Dominance Missile (JDRADM).

Ramjet engines have historically used liquid fuel which mixes with atmospheric air in order to provide thrust at high speed. However, for tactical missiles, the military services have expressed interest in a storable solid fuel. In order to meet this need, Aerojet developed the world’s first throttleable solid-fueled ramjet for the U.S. Navy GQM-163A Coyote missile target starting in the year 2000. Since that time, Aerojet has been developing a family of advanced formulations called AerGen fuels with properties suitable for a tactical missile ramjet engine. The fuel burns very efficiently, resulting in more delivered energy and reduced visible exhaust.

The ground testing was conducted at Aerojet’s Airbreathing Test Facility located in Orange County, Va. A full-scale engine was tested at conditions simulating high-altitude, high-speed flight. “Our airbreathing propulsion business represents cutting-edge technology aimed at future military requirements,” said Aerojet Vice President and Deputy to the President, Dick Bregard. “Aerojet is proud to demonstrate our commitment to advancing our country’s military capability through this innovative ramjet fuel research.”

Aerojet is a world-recognized aerospace and defense leader principally serving the missile and space propulsion, defense and armaments markets. GenCorp is a leading technology-based manufacturer of aerospace and defense products and systems with a real estate segment that includes activities related to the entitlement, sale, and leasing of the company’s excess real estate assets.

Reaction Jets confirmed as part of JDRADM study:

http://www.dtic.mil/ndia/2009psa_mar/kloeppel.pdf

That is the way I think it is for several reasons.

1. The JDRADM will need TVC in both the boost phase and end-game parts of it’s flight. So, whatever system it uses for TVC, it will need to be able to turn on/off.

2. The fins in the graphic are VERY small in relation to the missile size. TVC is definitely a must.

3. The work done on the NCADE program uses 4 thrusters (orange) that bleed thrust from a central combustion chamber (blue).

From here

A pierced nozzle? Hothothot. Can see some majot challenges here.
Hmmm. Artist’s impression gone wild?

Sorry to burst your bubble, but if the main trust is being diverted in any direction, be it by paddles or outlets, that’s called TVC.

That’s not TVC, but small blasters as they can be found on STOVL aircraft for added stability. In this case they seem to fulfil a steering purpose.

Interesting. And the Meteor will supposedly use gelled propellants for some special flight mechanism. And the R-77M will be a ramjet. The next-generation AAMs sure are getting outlandish.:D