James R Shumate

US Patent:

20040079072, Apr 29, 2004

Filed:

Oct 28, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/282219

Inventors:

James Shumate - Renton WA, US

International Classification:

B63H011/00

US Classification:

060/204000, 060/770000

Abstract:

A method and apparatus for augmenting thrust in a rocket traveling through atmospheric gas. Rocket motor designs are provided where a throat(s) from one or more rocket motors eject high-speed primary exhaust gas in a configuration which peripherally surrounds an outlet for induced, secondary gas. The secondary gas is mixed with the jet of primary exhaust gas to add momentum, and therefore thrust. Either expansion deflection or plug type rocket discharge nozzles can be utilized. In one embodiment, a thrust augmentation of over one hundred percent is achieved. In another embodiment, a plurality of rocket motor assemblies each containing a thrust augmenting rocket motor design is affixed to a rocket body. Such rocket motors enhance rocket thrust performance, and enables more efficient payload to rocket motor selection, or, alternatively, allows higher loads to be carried with the same amount of thrust.