Learning to Fly

In the interests of keeping things simple, here is an alternative design for the Variable-Speed Hypersonic Engine, featuring an adjustable, fuel-injecting nozzle.

Now instead of opening and closing the inlet to control air flow to the engine, the central nozzle is moved forward and backward as required to maintain the correct amount of air pressure. The fuel is also injected from the nozzle directly into the combustion chamber, allowing an afterburner-like effect to achieve propulsion from a stationary position.

So will it fly? The Wright Brothers asked that very same question over a century ago, and it took a great amount of blood, sweat and toil to reach an answer. So in all honesty, as with every other technology I have proposed, I do not know if it will work, how dangerous it will be, or whether it will prove cost-efficient. That's what makes theoretical disciplines so fun and exciting though, as we are taking one adventuresome step after another into the unknown.