This is probably a dumb question, but...   
      
   Would it be possible to use conventional jet engines to attain sufficient   
   airspeed for scramjets to start to function?  SCRAMjets would seem to have   
   limited value if they can only be launched via rocket.   
      
   This obviously leads to issues like speed-tuning of SCRAMjet engine   
   configurations, whether such engines can produce practical thrust levels,   
   and whether there can be airframes that are useable over such a wide speed   
   range.   
      
   But it does prompt fanciful thoughts of dual-mode four-engine Blackbirds...   
      
   /kenw   
   Ken Wallewein   
   K&M Systems Integration   
   Phone (403)274-7848   
   Fax   (403)275-4535   
   kenw@kmsi.net   
   www.kmsi.net   
      
   --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05   
    * Origin: you cannot sedate... all the things you hate (1:229/2)