A concept of an aero-assisted pre-stage is proposed, which enables launch of both ballistic and aero-assisted launch vehicles from conventional runways. The pre-stage can be implemented as a delta-wing with a suitable undercarriage, which is mated with the launch vehicle, so that their flight directions are coaligned. The ample wing area of the pre-stage combined with the thrust of the launch vehicle ensure prompt roll-out and take-off of the stack at airspeeds typical for a conventional jet airliner. The launch vehicle is separated from the pre-stage as soon as safe altitude is achieved, and the desired ascent trajectory is reached. Nominally, the pre-stage is non-powered. As an option, to save the propellant of the launch vehicle, the pre-stage may have its own short-burn propulsion system, whereas the propulsion system of the launch vehicle is activated at the separation point. A general non-dimensional analysis of performance of the pre-stage from roll-out to separation is carried out and applications to existing ballistic launch vehicle and hypothetical aero-assisted vehicles (spaceplanes) are considered.


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    Title :

    Aero-Assisted Pre-Stage for Ballistic and Aero-Assisted Launch Vehicles


    Contributors:

    Conference:

    AIAA Space Conference ; 2012 ; Pasadena, CA, United States


    Publication date :

    2012-09-11


    Type of media :

    Conference paper


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English




    AERO-ASSISTED PRE-STAGE FOR BALLISTIC AND AERO-ASSISTED LAUNCH VEHICLES

    Ustinov, E.A. / American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics | British Library Conference Proceedings | 2012



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