9. AVATAR HYPERPLANE

AVATAR (Aerobic Vehicle for hypersonic Aerospace TrAnspoRtation, probably a acronym) is a conceptual single-stage reusable rocket planes which is capable of horizontal launch and land SSTO Reusable launch vehicle being developed by India's Defense Research and Development Organization along with Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and other research institutions, which can be used for cheaper military and civilian satellite launches.

When operational, it is planned to be capable of delivering a payload weighing up to 1000 kg to low earth orbit. It would be the cheapest way to deliver material to space at about USD 67/kg. Each craft is expected to withstand 100 launches.

8.3. PROPULSION OF HYPERSOAR

The core of Hypersoar is the engine - especially since it is a wave rider design i.e. the whole body is integrated with the engine so that the whole plane can 'ride' the shock wave. This being the reason why all hypersonic concepts, including X-43, X-30 look so similar.Of course, air breathing engines at that height have to be Scramjets or something similar. These are currently being developed in the X-43 Hyper-X program.