A single-stage hypersonic vehicle is comprised of a low-speed and a high-speed propulsion
system. The low-speed propulsion
system propels the single-stage vehicle to a threshold velocity, after which the high-speed propulsion
system then takes over. The low-speed propulsion system includes a combined-cycle engine featuring a swirl generator that is integrated into a
turbojet engine to provide a compact
turbojet and swirl
afterburner-
ramjet propulsion system. The high-speed propulsion system includes a hypersonic engine that is operable at the threshold takeover velocity and beyond. In various embodiments, the high-speed propulsion system comprises a
scramjet,
rocket, or
scramjet /
rocket engine depending requirements. Benefits of the swirl generator design include its ability to rapidly and efficiently atomize, vaporize, mix and burn the fuel and oxidizer for the
low speed propulsion system, significantly reduce length, weight, cooling requirements and complexity for both propulsion systems, while maintaining high propulsion performance and reducing propulsion and launch costs.