Faster, Longer-Range Air-to-Air Missiles require new propulsion technologies to enhance engagement ranges against manoeuvring targets

Traditional missiles powered by rocket motors typically carry both fuel and oxidizer. An air-breathing ramjet missile can dispense with the separate oxidizer payload, reducing the size of a propulsion package.  Thanks to ramjets, smaller missiles use that space for other things, like a bigger warhead or more fuel. Ramjets, according to NASA, are the “ideal propulsion system” for “high supersonic” or hypersonic flight. As a missile or aircraft flies along, it compresses the air in front of it. This is known as ram pressure. Rather than force their way through this pressure wave, ramjets suck it in, using the abundant oxygen in it as an oxidizer. The air is mixed with burning fuel and then pushed out a nozzle in the rear, creating thrust.