scramjet

[ skram-jet ]

noun

, Aeronautics.

1. a ramjet engine in which the flow through the combustor itself is supersonic.

scramjet

/ ˈskræmˌdʒɛt /

noun

1. 1. a type of ramjet in which the forward motion of the craft forces oxygen to mix with fuel (usually hydrogen) at supersonic speeds within a duct in the engine
   2. an aircraft powered by such an engine
   3. ( as modifier )

      scramjet technology

Word History and Origins

Origin of scramjet¹

1965–70; s(upersonic) c(ombustion) ramjet

Word History and Origins

Origin of scramjet¹

C20: from s( upersonic ) + c( ombustion ) + ramjet

Example Sentences

Paul F. Freisthler, chief scientist at DIA, testified that Beijing has aggressively developed and fielded multiple types of hypersonic missiles, including gliders and “scramjet”-powered cruise missiles that maneuver to targets at more than five times the speed of sound to avoid detection.

From Washington Times

“China also is actively pursuing high-speed engine, or ‘scramjet,’ technologies which have applications in hypersonic cruise missiles, and has used the Lingyun Mach 6+ scramjet test bed to research thermal-resistant components and hypersonic cruise missile technologies, which would further expand its hypersonic weapons capabilities,” Mr. Freisthler said.

From Washington Times

The vehicle may be an unpowered gliding craft, or it may be a cruise missile that uses gravitational acceleration to ignite a special “scramjet” engine that carries it hundreds of miles farther.

From New York Times

The vehicle maybe be an unpowered gliding craft, or it may be a cruise missile that uses gravitational acceleration to ignite a special “scramjet” engine that carries it hundreds of miles farther.

From New York Times

“Such efficiency was considered ‘remarkable’ — nearly doubling that of a traditional scramjet engine working in similar conditions,” said Ma Likun, who led a team of researchers at the university.

From Washington Times