Reply To: Richard Branson – Virgin Pledge

[Jolly Roger]

Duke Leto wrote: … use the electricity to run high voltage/high temperature electrolysis of a saline solution at or close to the point near the jet engines that are going to burn the Hydrogen/Oxygen mix. About the same overall weight, a little more thrust and the fuel isn’t explosive outside the engines.

An interesting idea, but not what I had in mind.

Most of the thrust from a turbofan jet engine is from the bypass air. (see diagram http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Turbofan_operation.png )

In the aircraft engine I propose, an electric motor to drive the fan replaces the compressor. A Focus Fusion reactor replaces the combustion chamber. A particle decelerator/generator replaces the high and low speed turbines. Placing the reactor and generator aft of the motor reduces power losses and cable weight. Total aircraft weight is reduced, as only decaborane fusion fuel is required.

The helium ion exhaust provides some rocket thrust. If mixed with the bypass air to heat it, additional thrust may be obtained.

By changing how much energy is extracted from the exhaust and routed to the electric motor, this engine may be able to function in a space plane both within and above the atmosphere, and perhaps even under water. (Remember the flying submarine from “Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea”?)