Engineering Engine/Airframe Integration for Fully Reusable Space Transportation Systems
Abstract
In the late 80ties and 90ties many programs were initiated in US, Russia, Japan and European countries for future space transportation systems, using airbreathing combined cycle propulsion systems. This was believed to be the Key to "system fully (or at least) partial reusability". The integration of such an engine with the airframe has been identified as the most difficult challenge for the engineering design approach. The major technological requirements (e.g. "thrust minus drag" assessment) for optimum engine/airframe integration for flight vehicles using airbreathing propulsion are outlined. The major features of the internal flow-path through the airframe will be discussed specifically for the potential choice of airintake/ forebody and nozzle/afterbody design. Severe limitations of existing ground test facilities and reliable computational methods for technology verification and validation led in most studies to various proposals for flight testing. Due to the enormous high cost for technology development most trends show therefore more air-launched "simple flying testbeds" for propulsion systems demonstration rather than the classical "Experimental (X-) Aircraft" approach.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2010
- Accession Number
- ADA592525
Entities
People
- P. W. Sacher