Ramjet

A ramjet is a form of airbreathing jet engine that requires forward motion of the engine to provide air for combustion. Ramjets work most efficiently at supersonic speeds around Mach 3 (2,300 mph; 3,700 km/h) and can operate up to Mach 6 (4,600 mph; 7,400 km/h).

For other uses, see Ramjet (disambiguation).

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Ramjets can be particularly appropriate in applications requiring a small, simple mechanism for high-speed use, such as missiles. The US, Canada, and UK adopted ramjet-powered missile defenses in the 1960s, such as the CIM-10 Bomarc and Bloodhound. Weapons designers are investigating ramjet technology for use in artillery shells to increase range; a 120 mm ramjet-assisted mortar shell is thought to be able to travel 35 km (22 mi). They have been used successfully, though not efficiently, as tip jets on the ends of helicopter rotors.

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