National Aerospace Plane Special Study on Crew Escape Phase 4, Volume 2
Abstract
The National AeroSpace Plane (NASP) Special Study on Crew Escape Phase IV has completed feasibility studies and analysis on a new escape system concept for single-stage-to-orbit flight vehicles. The concept, called the Hybrid Separable Forebody, employs an aerodynamically stable forebody which separates form the vehicle using a passive-active separation system (failure initiated, or crew initiated). The forebody provides safe crew descent to an altitude and velocity regime where crew ejection using conventional ejection seats is possible. Early conceptual design was completed under Phases I & II of the study. Additional feasibility analysis and design has been completed under Phase IV. Based upon these analyses and design studies three preferred systems have been defined. These are a Mach 20.0 system covering a large portion of the NASP flight envelope, and two Mach 6.0 systems covering critical flight test events. In addition to these concepts, a set of tools and technologies has been established which can be used for continued NASP escape system development, as well as for following hypervelocity and other high performance vehicle programs. These tools and technologies include a flight phase/failure mode matrix hazard analysis method, a 6 Degree-of-Freedom (FOF) trajectory analysis program with drogue parachute and ballute modeling capability, a separation dynamics analysis code, a number of stability and control methods and systems installations, and a considerable array of separation system technologies.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1990
- Accession Number
- ADB236817
Entities
People
- Alejandro Bermudez
- R. E. Zegler