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Performance Validation Approach for the GTX Air-Breathing Launch VehicleThe primary objective of the GTX effort is to determine whether or not air-breathing propulsion can enable a launch vehicle to achieve orbit in a single stage. Structural weight, vehicle aerodynamics, and propulsion performance must be accurately known over the entire flight trajectory in order to make a credible assessment. Structural, aerodynamic, and propulsion parameters are strongly interdependent, which necessitates a system approach to design, evaluation, and optimization of a single-stage-to-orbit concept. The GTX reference vehicle serves this purpose, by allowing design, development, and validation of components and subsystems in a system context. The reference vehicle configuration (including propulsion) was carefully chosen so as to provide high potential for structural and volumetric efficiency, and to allow the high specific impulse of air-breathing propulsion cycles to be exploited. Minor evolution of the configuration has occurred as analytical and experimental results have become available. With this development process comes increasing validation of the weight and performance levels used in system performance determination. This paper presents an overview of the GTX reference vehicle and the approach to its performance validation. Subscale test rigs and numerical studies used to develop and validate component performance levels and unit structural weights are outlined. The sensitivity of the equivalent, effective specific impulse to key propulsion component efficiencies is presented. The role of flight demonstration in development and validation is discussed.
Document ID
20020073102
Acquisition Source
Glenn Research Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Trefny, Charles J.
(NASA Glenn Research Center Cleveland, OH United States)
Roche, Joseph M.
(NASA Glenn Research Center Cleveland, OH United States)
Date Acquired
August 20, 2013
Publication Date
April 1, 2002
Publication Information
Publication: 26th JANNAF Airbreathing Propulsion Subcommittee Meeting
Volume: 1
Subject Category
Launch Vehicles And Launch Operations
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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