Abstract: A method of optimizing a fuel system on a vehicle is provided. The fuel system includes a fuel tank configured to receive and contain a quantity of fuel, and the method includes determining a property associated with the quantity of fuel contained within the fuel system, comparing the determined property with a nominal value for that fuel property, and modifying at least one vehicle sub-system setting in response to the determined fuel property.

Abstract: A method of optimizing a fuel system on a vehicle is provided. The fuel system includes a fuel tank configured to receive and contain a quantity of fuel, and the method includes determining a property associated with the quantity of fuel contained within the fuel system, comparing the determined property with a nominal value for that fuel property, and modifying at least one vehicle sub-system setting in response to the determined fuel property.

Abstract: The flight vehicle includes an elongated central body having a central axis defined therein and a circumference. A plurality of elongated portions are positioned about the central body. A plurality of airbreathing engines are axisymetrically positioned about the central axis of the central body and between the respective elongated portions. Each flowpath includes a forebody, an inlet, an isolator duct, a combustor, a nozzle, and a mechanism for injecting fuel into the combustor. The forebody externally compresses the air flow. The inlet is downstream of the forebody to capture air flow. The isolator duct is downstream of the inlet to further reduce velocity of the air flow. The combustor is downstream of the isolator duct and finally, the nozzle is downstream of the combustor. The fuel/air mixture is burned in the combustor and expanded in the nozzle for providing thrust. A control mechanism is positioned about the central body for providing control of the flight vehicle.