Lockheed Martin SR72 Engine

Introduction to the Lockheed Martin SR72 Engine

The Lockheed Martin SR72 is a concept for a hypersonic reconnaissance plane that is currently in development. The SR72 is designed to operate at speeds of over Mach 6, which is more than six times the speed of sound. To achieve such high speeds, the SR72 will require a powerful and efficient engine. In this blog post, we will explore the engine that will power the Lockheed Martin SR72.

Requirements for the SR72 Engine

The engine that will power the SR72 must meet several requirements. First, it must be able to produce a high amount of thrust to accelerate the plane to hypersonic speeds. Second, it must be efficient, as the SR72 will need to operate for extended periods of time without refueling. Finally, it must be able to withstand the extreme temperatures and stresses associated with hypersonic flight.

Current Engine Options

There are several engine options that are currently being considered for the SR72. One option is a scramjet (supersonic combustion ramjet) engine. A scramjet engine uses the atmosphere as the oxidizer, rather than carrying oxygen onboard, which makes it more efficient and lighter. Another option is a rocket-based combined cycle engine, which uses a combination of rocket and air-breathing propulsion to achieve high speeds.

Scramjet Engine Design

A scramjet engine is a type of air-breathing engine that uses the atmosphere as the oxidizer. It works by compressing the air using the shape of the engine, then mixing it with fuel and igniting it. The hot gases produced by the combustion are then expanded through a nozzle to produce thrust. Scramjet engines are well-suited for hypersonic flight because they can operate at high speeds and altitudes.

Engine Type	Speed Range	Altitude Range
Scramjet	Mach 5-10	20-50 km
Rocket-based combined cycle	Mach 0-25	0-100 km

Rocket-Based Combined Cycle Engine Design

A rocket-based combined cycle engine uses a combination of rocket and air-breathing propulsion to achieve high speeds. It works by using a rocket engine to accelerate the vehicle to a certain speed, then switching to an air-breathing engine to continue accelerating. This type of engine is well-suited for hypersonic flight because it can operate at a wide range of speeds and altitudes.

🚀 Note: The SR72 engine will require significant advances in materials and cooling systems to operate efficiently and safely.

Challenges and Limitations

There are several challenges and limitations associated with developing an engine for the SR72. One of the main challenges is the extreme temperatures and stresses associated with hypersonic flight. The engine must be able to withstand temperatures of over 3,000°F (1,649°C) and stresses of over 1,000 g. Another challenge is the need for efficient and lightweight materials. The engine must be able to produce a high amount of thrust while minimizing weight and maximizing efficiency.

Current Status and Future Plans

The SR72 engine is currently in the development phase. Lockheed Martin is working with several partners, including Aerojet Rocketdyne and the US Air Force, to develop the engine. The goal is to have a functional engine prototype by the mid-2020s, with flight tests scheduled to begin in the late 2020s. If successful, the SR72 could enter service in the 2030s, providing the US military with a new capability for reconnaissance and surveillance.

In summary, the Lockheed Martin SR72 engine is a critical component of the SR72 hypersonic reconnaissance plane. The engine must meet several requirements, including high thrust, efficiency, and durability. Several engine options are currently being considered, including scramjet and rocket-based combined cycle engines. While there are several challenges and limitations associated with developing the SR72 engine, the potential benefits of hypersonic flight make it an exciting and worthwhile pursuit.