Longitudinal Control and Footprint Analysis for a Reusable Military Launch Vehicle

Abstract

This paper examines two concepts for a reusable military launch system (RMLS). Both are rocket powered vertical takeoff-horizontal landing configurations. One is a conventional wing-body configuration like the Space Shuttle, and the other is a lifting body configuration. The lifting body design lands in an inverted attitude, which significantly reduces the maintenance requirements for the vehicle's thermal protection system. The longitudinal stability and control characteristics are examined, and footprint calculations are made for re-entry.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jul 01, 2003
Accession Number
ADA416773

Entities

People

  • Anhtuan D. Ngo
  • William B. Blake

Organizations

  • Air Force Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aerodynamic Characteristics
  • Aerodynamic Configurations
  • Air Force
  • Air Force Research Laboratories
  • Aircrafts
  • Airframes
  • Astronautics
  • Geometry
  • Landing Gear
  • Launch Vehicles
  • Lifting Bodies
  • Mach Number
  • Maintenance
  • Space Shuttles
  • Spacecraft
  • Vehicles
  • Wing Body Configurations

Readers

  • Aerodynamics/Aeronautics.
  • Maritime Combat Support and Expeditionary Logistics.
  • Missile Defense Systems.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Hall-Effect Thruster
  • Space - Spacecraft Maneuvers