Flying wing space launch assist stage

Details Flying wing space launch assist stage Flying wing space launch assist stage

1992-10-19

1993-10-26

Bartuska, F. J.

Aeronautics and astronautics

Aircraft propulsion

Launching

244 325, 244 36, 244160, B64G 114, B64G 162, F42B 1000

Patent

active

052558738

ABSTRACT:
An unpowered reusable flying wing glider employed in conjunction with an aerodynamically shaped spacecraft without wings so as to permit existing airfield launch and ascent to orbit for a rocket engine takeoff thrust to vehicle weight ratio of less than 1. After an optimum climb angle is established and before wing weight and wing drag degrade performance, the wing is released for a glide return to the launch site. The flying wing zero stage would contain tank(s) for fuel or fuel and oxidizer so that at wing release, the spacecraft tanks are full or nearly full for the continuing trajectory to orbit.

REFERENCES:
patent: 2992794 (1961-07-01), Boyd
patent: 3289974 (1966-12-01), Cohen et al.
patent: 3437285 (1969-04-01), Manfredi et al.
patent: 3700193 (1972-10-01), Bradley
patent: 3702688 (1972-11-01), Faget
patent: 4265416 (1981-05-01), Jackson et al.
patent: 4802639 (1989-02-01), Hardy et al.
patent: 5143327 (1992-09-01), Martin

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