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Scramjets

Overview

With its long history in the development of hypersonic engines, L3Harris is considered to be the leader in fuel-cooled hydrocarbon technology. We are currently developing a wide range of hypersonic propulsion system technologies applicable to aircraft and missiles, including high speed weapons, hypersonic cruise vehicles with rapid global reach for reconnaissance and strike missions, and concepts that will provide enhanced access to space.

On May 26, 2010, the X-51A WaveRider hypersonic vehicle, powered by L3Harris' scramjet engine, achieved aviation history by making the longest-ever supersonic combustion ramjet-powered flight.

L3Harris is developing propulsion solutions for hypersonic boosters that have to operate in all flight regimes. These include captive carry air launched, ground launched and sub-surface launch. Each regime has its own unique operating requirements and L3Harris is providing solutions that perform in all of them.

Key Features

L3Harris is a leader in Scramjet Technology. Scramjet propulsion systems include:

  • Dual Combustion Ramjet (DCR)
Dual Combustion Ramjet (DCR)
  • Core-Burning Dual Mode Ramjet
Core-Burning Dual Mode Ramjet

Dual Combustion Ramjet (DCR)

Our Dual Combustion Ramjet (DCR) Engine Cycle has mature propulsion performance and structural durability.

Dual Mode Ramjet (DMRJ AKA Scramjet)

Our Dual Mode Ramjet (DMRJ, aka "Scramjet") Engine Technology offers the following features:

  • Lighter Weight
  • Reduced Heat Load
  • Better Operability and higher Specific Thrust

A Dual Mode Ramjet is a Propulsion System which, dependent on the Flight Mach Number, operates in two Modes.

  • Mode 1: As a Ramjet With High Mach but Sub-sonic Combustion; the “Throat” is provided through Thermal Choking. An “Isolater” is required for lower Mach operation to provide a Combustor Entrance Pressure higher than the Combustion Pressure.
  • Mode 2: As a Scramjet With Supersonic Combustion.

Primary challenges are Fuel Conditioning, Vaporization, Mixing, and Combustion and Thermal Management.

DMRJs are suitable for Long Range Missiles and Reusable HCVs.

Latest News

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Editorial | 04. 07. 2025

Missile Defense for the Modern Age: Scaling Today’s Success While Driving Tomorrow’s Innovation

In an age where hypersonic missiles can travel at speeds exceeding one mile per second, the United States faces a critical inflection point in national security.

Satellites hover over earth with dome surrounding United States

Editorial | 04. 07. 2025

Missile Defense for the Modern Age: Scaling Today’s Success While Driving Tomorrow’s Innovation

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Editorial | 04. 02. 2025

An Innovation Imperative: Advancing the Next Generation of Solid Rocket Motors

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Press release | 03. 26. 2025

L3Harris’ New Advanced Large Solid Rocket Motors Power Successful US Missile Defense Test

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Press release | 02. 20. 2025

L3Harris Breaks Ground on Solid Rocket Motor ‘Factories of the Future’ in Arkansas

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Press release | 01. 06. 2025

L3Harris Completes Sale of Specialized Materials Business to BWXT for Approximately $100 Million

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