LANDING CHARACTERISTICS OF A LENTICULAR-SHAPED RE-ENTRY VEHICLE
Abstract
Hard-surface landing characteristics of a lenticular-shaped re-entry vehicle obtained with the curved lower surface (heat shield) used as a skid- rocker were good and resulted in maximum normal and angular accelerations of 5g and 18 radians per second squared, respectively, over a range of landing conditions. Horizontal landings in water resulted in large and violent rebounds or dives, depending on the sea conditions or the point of the wave contacted. The nature of the rebounds was such that the attitude of subsequent impacts was random. The maximum longitudinal accelerations obtained in water landings were 10g, maximum normal accelerations were 21g, and maximum angular accelerations were 145 radians per second squared, in waves 7 ft. high (sea state 4). Various auxiliary water-landing devices tested produced no practical improvement in behavior. Reduction of horizontal speed and positive control of impact attitude did improve performance in calm water. During vertical landings (90 degrees flight path) in calm water maximum longitudinal accelerations were 9g, maxim m normal accelerations were 15g, and maximum angular accelerations were 110 radians per second squared for a contact attitude of -45 degrees and a vertical velocity of 70 ft. per sec. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1961
- Accession Number
- AD0263072
Entities
People
- Ulysse J. Blanchard
Organizations
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration