Abstract: Rocket-based combined-cycle (RBCC) engines are known as the most promising type of engine with the potential to realize ‘single stage to orbit’ (SSTO). This will dramatically reduce the cost of space round trips and improve the physical experience of astronauts. However, sixty years after this concept was first proposed, no RBCC engine has completed a real flight. The challenges in RBCC development include ejector, scramjet, mode transition, and thermal protection technologies. However, great progress has been made in recent years, suggesting a bright future for these engines. In this paper, we review worldwide progress in the overall layout of RBCC engines. The working process of RBCC engines is introduced to show their distinctiveness among traditional engines. RBCC engines are classified as rectangular section or axisymmetric configuration engines and the development of both types in different countries is reviewed. The engine-airframe integration design and mission planning of RBCC powered aircraft systems are analyzed separately. Even though RBCC powered aircraft and their missions remain conceptual, the design and planning processes are important for RBCC development and space round trips in the future. RBCC study is a typical multi-disciplinary design process. Research addressing the problems encountered by RBCC studies will promote the development of a range of disciplines relevant to aerospace science.

Key words: Rocket-based combined cycle (RBCC) engine; Single stage to orbit (SSTO); Space round trip; Engine-airframe integration

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