For maximum efficiency Trans Atmospheric Vehicles (TAV's) must have high specific impulse (Isp) propulsion for takeoff and for accelerating after takeoff. This is when the TAV is the heaviest and consequently when the drag and the loss rate of energy to Earth's gravity is the greatest. A ground-based, horizontal launcher provides a very high, effective Isp and, if properly designed, can launch TAV's at ramjet operating speed. It is found that for the acceleration to Mach 5 the average Isp for hydrogen fueled ramjet engines is higher than that for air turbo rocket engines.
High specific impulse propulsion for trans atmospheric vehicles
Antrieb mit hohem spezifischen Impuls fuer Raumfaehren
AIAA-Papers ; Jul ; 1-10
1987
10 Seiten, 9 Bilder, 2 Tabellen, 19 Quellen
Aufsatz (Konferenz)
Englisch
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