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Affordable Flight Demonstration of the GTX Air-Breathing SSTO Vehicle ConceptThe rocket based combined cycle (RBCC) powered single-stage-to-orbit (SSTO) reusable launch vehicle has the potential to significantly reduce the total cost per pound for orbital payload missions. To validate overall system performance, a flight demonstration must be performed. This paper presents an overview of the first phase of a flight demonstration program for the GTX SSTO vehicle concept. Phase 1 will validate the propulsion performance of the vehicle configuration over the supersonic and hypersonic air- breathing portions of the trajectory. The focus and goal of Phase 1 is to demonstrate the integration and performance of the propulsion system flowpath with the vehicle aerodynamics over the air-breathing trajectory. This demonstrator vehicle will have dual mode ramjetkcramjets, which include the inlet, combustor, and nozzle with geometrically scaled aerodynamic surface outer mold lines (OML) defining the forebody, boundary layer diverter, wings, and tail. The primary objective of this study is to demon- strate propulsion system performance and operability including the ram to scram transition, as well as to validate vehicle aerodynamics and propulsion airframe integration. To minimize overall risk and develop ment cost the effort will incorporate proven materials, use existing turbomachinery in the propellant delivery systems, launch from an existing unmanned remote launch facility, and use basic vehicle recovery techniques to minimize control and landing requirements. A second phase would demonstrate propulsion performance across all critical portions of a space launch trajectory (lift off through transition to all-rocket) integrated with flight-like vehicle systems.
Document ID
20030055618
Acquisition Source
Glenn Research Center
Document Type
Technical Memorandum (TM)
Authors
Krivanek, Thomas M.
(NASA Glenn Research Center Cleveland, OH, United States)
Roche, Joseph M.
(NASA Glenn Research Center Cleveland, OH, United States)
Riehl, John P.
(NASA Glenn Research Center Cleveland, OH, United States)
Kosareo, Daniel N.
(ZIN Technologies, Inc. Cleveland, OH, United States)
Date Acquired
September 7, 2013
Publication Date
April 1, 2003
Subject Category
Aircraft Design, Testing And Performance
Report/Patent Number
E-13316
NAS 1.15:212315
NASA/TM-2003-212315
APS-III-22
Meeting Information
Meeting: Combustion, Airbreathing Propulsion, Propulsion Systems Hazards, and Modelling and Simulation Subcommittees Joint Meeting
Location: Destin, FL
Country: United States
Start Date: April 8, 2002
End Date: April 12, 2002
Sponsors: NASA Headquarters, Department of the Army, Department of the Air Force, Department of the Navy
Funding Number(s)
WBS: WBS 22-708-90-63
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Public Use Permitted.
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