3. BASIC TECHNICAL CHALLENGES ( Seminar Hyperplanes )

The basic technical challenge is to develop a non rocket engine which can attain hypersonic speeds. So far rocket engines are the ones which have attained hypersonic speeds. But they lack maneuverability which is required for a plane. Such powerful non rocket engines could be a great aeronautical challenge. Such engines have not been fully developed. The scramjet engine is the most widely accepted solution, but it is still in design and experimental stages of its development. The scramjets are air breathing engines which have great advantages.


The second technical challenge is the development of advanced materials including Titanium and its alloys and other composite materials that can handle the heat associated with hypervelocity flight. Great amount of heat is developed when planes fly above hypersonic speeds in the atmosphere and also during the re-entry time. The thermal protection shields used today are bulky and thus increases fuel consumption rates. Thus Titanium and its alloys have to be developed along with other composite materials. But the problem lies in the fact that main researches are conducted in defence laboratories which does not have much metalurgical experience.


The development of new cryogenic fuels and the new methods of handling them is a major challenge. Huge cryogenic tanks cannot be accommodated, therefore high calorific value fuels are needed which could burn completely at hypersonic combustion. Development in this area is also difficult.