Highly Compact Supersonic Cruise Missile (SSCM) Engine Inlet Navy SBIR FY2012.1 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2012.1 Topic No.: N121-028 Topic Title: Highly Compact Supersonic Cruise Missile (SSCM) Engine Inlet Proposal No.: N121-028-0028 Firm: CFD Research Corporation 215 Wynn Dr., 5th Floor Huntsville, Alabama 35805 Contact: Mark Ostrander Phone: (256) 726-4800 Web Site: www.cfdrc.com Abstract: Future supersonic cruise missiles (SSCMs), such as the Next Generation Tomahawk, will require larger, more powerful engines to operate. Scaling current inlet technology to match will reduce missile body volume available for fuel, and hence curtail range. Highly compact inlet systems that allow efficient operation at supersonic speeds but are low-cost are needed to enable these missions. To be broadly-based, the SSCM inlet ducting must be initially folded and deploy after launch, so as to allow launch from either the VLS or torpedo tubes. CFDRC will design a scalable, deployable, compact supersonic inlet system that employs multiple ducts to minimize the interior inlet volume but that maintains efficient operation at all flight conditions. A low-cost external compression supersonic diffuser will be coupled with highly curved subsonic ducting to achieve this result. Deployment will be achieved by either hinging and folding, or pushing out the supersonic diffuser section. A strategy whereby both conventional S-duct and "innovative" minimum-volume concepts are explored will ensure program success. Initial configuration studies at design point will give way to more detailed optimization across the full flight spectrum in subsequent phases. CFDRC will work toward a Phase III goal of interfacing with engine and airframe companies such as Raytheon and Liberty Works to maximize participation in a Next Generation Tomahawk program. Benefits: This low-cost, compact, supersonic inlet technology is a crucial component in supersonic cruise missiles in general and specifically in establishing whether a supersonic Tomahawk can be fielded with the range to make it viable. If so, it will be a flagship program, with potentially thousands of flight units fielded. CFDRC will leverage its mature working relationship with Raytheon to support analysis, prototype fabrication, and test and evaluation to assure our Phase II product integration into the Next Generation Tomahawk program. CFDRC has worked with Liberty Works on several inlet programs and will also explore teaming relationships with them and other engine companies to further the goals of commercializing this technology. Beyond the NGT program, other airbreathing missile programs, such as the AFRL high velocity penetrating weapon powered by CFDRC's Air Turbo-Rocket engine will benefit from this enabling technology and provide strong avenues of similar commercialization. Return