New Remotely Piloted Vehicle Launch and Recovery Concepts - Analysis, Preliminary Design and Performance/Cost Trade Studies

Item

Title
New Remotely Piloted Vehicle Launch and Recovery Concepts - Analysis, Preliminary Design and Performance/Cost Trade Studies
Date
1979
Index Abstract
Not Available
Photo Quality
Not Needed
Report Number
AFFDL TR 79-3069 Volume I
Creator
Baumgartner, S. J.
Rajpaul, V. K.
Yurczyk, R. F.
Brister, J. G.
Corporate Author
Boeing Aerospace Company
Laboratory
Air Force Flight Dynamics Laboratory
Extent
258
Identifier
ADA077475
Access Rights
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited
Distribution Classification
1
Contract
F33615-78-C-3404
DoD Project
2402
DoD Task
240201
DTIC Record Exists
No
Distribution Change Authority Correspondence
None
Distribution Conflict
No
Abstract
Dynamic analysis, preliminary design, and performance/cost trade studies of air bag skid and air cushion concepts for launch and recovery of Boeing and Rockwell advanced RPV concepts have been conducted. Dynamic analysis was performed using the six degree-of-freedom computer program EASY. Dynamic simulations included perturbations to steady state flight, landing, and takeoff simulations. Launch and recovery concepts investigated were air bag skid system, air cushion recovery system, integrated air cushion system, and air cushion launch platform. Performance/cost trade study factors investigated were complexity, fuel requirements, adverse weather capability, ground equipment and facility requirements, survivability/vulnerability, reliability and maintainability, and system acquisition and life cycle costs. Results of the study indicated that an air cushion system is a feasible means of recovery of an RPV such as the Boeing and Rockwell ARPV concepts. An air bag skid with an arrestor system is a feasible approach when minimum field length is a major design factor. Integrated air cushion system for launch and recovery are greatly affected by engine characteristics. In each case, the launch and recovery systems are shown to be an integral part of the total vehicle design and strongly influences the airframe design.
Report Availability
Full text available
Date Issued
1979-06
Provenance
Bombardier/Aero
Type
report
Format
1 online resource