Ramjet Engine

A ramjet engine is a type of air-breathing jet engine that operates on the principle of the ram effect. It is commonly used in supersonic aircraft and missiles.

Unlike traditional jet engines, which rely on a compressor to compress incoming air before combustion, a ramjet engine does not have any moving parts. Instead, it uses the forward motion of the aircraft to compress the incoming air. This compression, combined with the heat generated by combustion, creates a high-pressure, high-velocity jet of exhaust gases that propels the aircraft forward.

Ramjet engines are most efficient at high speeds, typically above Mach 2. They are not capable of producing thrust at low speeds or at rest, as they rely on the forward motion of the aircraft to compress the air. Therefore, ramjet engines are often used in conjunction with other types of engines, such as rocket engines or turbojet engines, to provide thrust during takeoff and low-speed flight.

In the supply class Gas Turbines And Jet Engines, Aircraft, Prime Moving; And Components, ramjet engines are categorized as a type of gas turbine engine. They are considered a prime mover for aircraft, meaning they are responsible for providing the primary propulsion for the aircraft. Ramjet engines and their components are included in the broader supply group Engines, Turbines, And Components, which encompasses various types of engines, turbines, and their associated components used in aviation and other industries.