A New Air Launch Concept: Vertical Air Launch Sled (VALS)

摘要

This paper describes a new patent pending air launch concept that combines a proven tow technique with a novel Vertical Air Launch Sled (VALS) to produce a low-cost, near-term method of air launching large diameter launch vehicles (LV) using unmodified commercial or military aircraft. Key advantages of the VALS concept include: (1) high system safety since the LV is far from the tow aircraft at all times, (2) no objects such as expensive wings or pallets falling off, (3) near vertical attitude for the LV at ignition, (4) capability to ignite engines while attached to VALS and to shutdown & return LV for safe landing if health is not good, and (5) capability to carry cryogenic propellants in insulated heavy duty Dewars located in the VALS strong back, which can greatly reduce propellant boil-off and increase LV safety on the ground This paper also describes methods to attach the tow line to existing aircraft without any modifications to the aircraft. These study results show that VALS can greatly improve the simplicity, cost and reliability of the booster.