NASP launches new materials

Consideration is given to materials classes being developed for the National Aerospace Plane (NASP), which include titanium alloys and composites, carbon/carbon composites, ceramic-matrix composites, and copper-matrix composites. The forward areas on the skin of the fuselage, and on parts of the tail and wings, will be covered with panels of carbon/carbon or ceramic-matrix composites to protect against temperatures up to 1650 C. Timetal-21S, an advanced high-temperature version of a conventional alloy, combines heat resistance with excellent oxidation and corrosion resistance. Reinforced with SCS-6 SiC fibers, 21S withstands exposure to simulated NASP cycles that include temperature and load excursions representative of orbital and cruise missions. C/C panels a few millimeters thick would be mechanically attached to the underlying Timetal 21S structure over parts of the fuselage, providing protection up to 1650 C. Graphite/epoxy composites are the baseline materials for the hydrogen 'slush' fuel tank.