hypersonic precooler

A **hypersonic precooler** is a heat-exchanging device designed to rapidly cool incoming air in an air-breathing engine operating at hypersonic speeds (typically above Mach 5). By cooling the extremely hot intake air before it enters the engine’s compressor or combustion chamber, the precooler prevents overheating of engine components, improves efficiency, and allows the use of lighter materials and conventional turbine technology in high-speed flight applications.