Approximate Performance Comparison of Periodic Hypersonic Cruise Trajectories with Traditional Trajectories

This paper develops the analytical framework to compare the approximate performance of periodic hypersonic cruise trajectories with previously proposed hypersonic trajectory profiles for global reach. Specifically, range, \DeltaV and payload carrying capacity are evaluated for various trajectory types to illustrate the enhanced performance achieved by flying periodic hypersonic cruise trajectories with existing hypersonic vehicle aerodynamic, propulsion, and structures technology. The use of approximate analytical performance measures eliminates the need for case specific mission data. Analytical results reveal that periodic hypersonic cruise trajectories achieve better performance over long distances (ß20,000 km) than other trajectory types proposed for high-speed flight. Nomenclature a = Speed of sound A = Area A = Vector term c = Exhaust velocity CD = Drag coefficient CL = Lift coefficient D = Drag E = Range/Mass parameter F = Force vector g = Gravity h = height h scale = Atmosp..