LAPCAT (Long-Term Advanced Propulsion Concepts and Technologies) was a 36-month European FP6 study to examine ways to produce engines for a Mach number 4-8 hypersonic flight aircraft. The project ended in April 2008.[1] It was funded by the European Commission research and development fund (rather than ESA), and cost 7 million euros.[2][3]
LAPCAT II, a 10 million euro, four-year, follow on project, started in October 2008.[1][4] The study aims to refine some of the results of the first study "allowing the definition of a detailed development roadmap" of a Mach five vehicle.[5]