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Prior to World War II, Ramjet engines were an area of research for France. During World War II there wasn't much focus on ramjets by the great powers, and turbojet and rocket technology developed greatly during the period. Ramjets lost years of development, while turbojets and rockets were intensively developed and in many cases were tested under combat conditions.

After World War II France resumed ramjet research and there was some research in the Soviet Union and United States, but the technology found only limited use. While some of that is likely due to the inability of ramjet engines to produce thrust below a certain speed threshold, it seems it could be useful for traveling at a high speed that doesn't need to vary much, such as with a bomber or interceptor, or for creating long-range artillery shells. Perhaps it could have even found a niche in mixed-propulsion concepts similar to the 1940s and 1950s proposals featuring both jet and rocket engines.

Could ramjets have seen more widespread use without World War II, especially as speeds edge closer to Mach 3, where ramjets achieve maximum efficiency?
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