Is it similar to the SCRAMJET?.........
Not really, it uses a cryogenic precooler to cool the incoming air before stuffing it into the rocket nozzles.
They had a successful test of the precooler recently.
It’s not so much a scramjet as it is a ducted rocket with cooled air being fed to it from outside.
Inverse cycle engine or some such?
Seems to me that’s what it may be called.
I think.
Don’t quote me on that one.
No, the SCRAMJET must be brought up to operating speed with jet engines or rockets. This one is supposed to be able to take off from the ground, although I believe it would be more efficient for it to be dropped from a cargo jet.
I should add that the SCRAMJET only operates in the atmosphere while this engine can operate both in the atmosphere and in space.