The Prospects for Microwave Actuated Airbreathing Hypersonic Spaceplane Engines

Christopher MacLeod

2026.079.0017

DOI https://doi.org/10.59332/jbis-079-01-0017

This paper reviews the prospects for microwave heating and plasma generation as an alternative to combustion in Scramjet-like hypersonic engines. It discusses recent work in the field and its potential relevance and implications in the future. Different modes of operation are described and possible sources of power highlighted.

Keywords: Hypersonic, Scramjet, Microwave, Engine, Plasma, Propulsion