Performance and Optimization of Arcas and Other Single-Stage Rockets with Vacuum-Air Boost

摘要

Studies on optimization (altitude maximization) of a single-stage rocket performance with and without the use of the Vacuum-Air Missile Boost (VAMB) system are presented. Performance estimation and optimization of a hypothetical 1,000 lb rocket with and without the VAMB system were done. Similar studies were also performed for eighteen rockets of various countries without the VAMB system. It was found that the optimum thrust-to-weight ratio (T/W) for conventional rocket can be estimated roughly for preliminary design of rockets under simplifying assumptions. Detailed performance and optimization studies were presented on the Arcas rocket. It was found that the optimum T/W for Arcas with and without VAMB system is approximately 2.4, which is almost half of the present design value (4.5). The gain in maximum altitude of the optimized Arcas launched with an initial velocity of 1,000 fps, over that of the present design Arcas without booster, was estimated to be nearly 93 per cent. (Author)