Nord 1500 Griffon
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The Nord 1500 Griffon was an experimental ramjet-powered interceptor aircraft designed and built by French state-owned aircraft manufacturer Nord Aviation. The Griffon was developed to become a Mach 2 follow on to the supersonic Nord Gerfaut research aircraft. Development of the aircraft began in earnest after the receipt of a letter of intent in 1953 for a pair of unarmed research aircraft. The design featured an innovative dual propulsion turbojet-ramjet configuration; the former being used to takeoff and attain sufficient speed to start the latter.
Nord 1500 Griffon
The Griffon I during a test flight, c. 1956
Forward view of the preserved Griffon II
SNECMA ATAR 101E-3 turbojet engine and Nord Stato-Réacteur ramjet on static display
Ramjet
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A ramjet is a form of airbreathing jet engine that requires forward motion of the engine to provide air for combustion. Ramjets work most efficiently at supersonic speeds around Mach 3 and can operate up to Mach 6.
An AQM-60 Kingfisher, the first production ramjet to enter service with the US military
Upper engine is a ramjet on the Bloodhound missile
Leduc 010
Bristol Thor ramjet modified for display purposes. Two Thor engines were used on the Bristol Bloodhound missile