reply to post by jay.mo
Hey there, I can tell you a bit about scramjets! Here is an old thread I did about
scramjets way back when.
The problem with scramjets is their ineffectiveness below Mach 4-5. Unfortunately converting a plane to a hybrid is easier said than done. Adding
parts is adding weight and defeating the simplicity of scramjet design.
As far as I know laser propulsion has been theorized for space travel. I think it's kind of like a solar sail except it gets its energy from a
ground laser instead of the sun. The acceleration is slow but steady and there is no need to carry fuel aboard the craft.
There are several different types of plasma propulsion engines. They are similar to a rocket in that the propellant must be carried onboard the ship.
Although less powerful, they are more effiecient than a rocket.
I'm not sure any of these have moved past the prototype testing stage. Scientists are still trying to get a handle on which one would be best for a
specific purpose. I.e. A scramjet won't be used to get to Mars but a Laser Sail might!
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