Analysis of flight trajectories of a ramjet-powered vehicle

Based on numerical simulations of flight trajectories with ramjet-powered flying vehicles, it is found that all possible flight trajectories can be classified into three groups: ballistic trajectories, trajectories with a horizontal segment, and skipping trajectories. Trajectories of each group can be optimized, for instance, to ensure the maximum flight range under given initial conditions and constraints. Examples of optimal trajectories for a given amount of available fuel are presented as functions of the initial slope of the trajectory, angle of attack of the vehicle, instants of engine actuation, and engine operation time.