Engine Air Inlet Compatibility for the Supersonic Transport

This paper is a survey of the general requirements for the performance and control of supersonic inlets for turbojet or turbofan propulsion systems for the supersonic transport. The first half of the paper discusses the interaction between inlet and engine performance. The effects of pressure recovery, bleed flows, and external drags on the engine thrust and specific fuel consumption are shown for design and off-design operation. The second half of the paper discusses the problem of controlling the inlet, to obtain safe and efficient operation. Possible approaches for simplifying or improving the inlet control system are discussed.