pulse detonation engine(not orion)

[enrogerb]

Hi, I've heard about this pulse detonation rocket engine idea a while ago, nasa is working on it:
http://www.msfc.nasa.gov/NEWSROOM/astpt ... tonate.pdf

They are considering it for upper stage, but wouldn't it work on sea level too? I mean the major advantage of this engine is to eliminate turbo pump, should be a lot cheaper to produce and operate. Using it in first stage seems logical, could reduce launch cost by a large factor. Or maybe the engine has very bad isp performance?

{Moderator Edit: Be aware that the link is a PDF file -MW}

 

[annodomini2]

Really its an elaboration of the engine from this:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/V-1_flying_bomb

Now what would be interesting is if they combined the 2 to reduce the oxydiser requirement for the rocket and reduce the weight of the vehicle.