Articulated Air-Launch Carriage for Safe Rocket Separation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Challenges exist in optimizing the air-launch of a launch vehicle from a towed aircraft, particularly in safely separating the launch vehicle from the towed aircraft at the desired altitude and orientation while avoiding recontact, which can be catastrophic due to aerodynamic influences and decoupling dynamics.
Innovation Solution
A launch system and method involving a towed aircraft with a launch vehicle that includes a carriage mechanism to physically separate the launch vehicle from the towed aircraft, achieving aerodynamic repelling forces by shifting the launch vehicle to a deployed position, ensuring safe and effective separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid connection is used between the launch vehicle and towed aircraft, then structural strength is improved, but the ability to accommodate relative motion and reduce peak loads is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid connection is divided into multiple segments: a pylon structure, a spring mechanism, and a cable system. This segmentation allows each component to handle specific functions - the pylon provides structural support, the spring absorbs shocks and accommodates motion, and the cable transmits launch forces, thereby resolving the contradiction between strength and motion accommodation.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system combines different material properties and mechanical characteristics - rigid metallic structures for strength, elastic springs for shock absorption, and flexible cables for motion accommodation. This composite approach allows the system to simultaneously achieve high strength and flexibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If air-launch is used to extend operational range, then operational flexibility is improved, but structural loads and complexity are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
Spring mechanisms are installed in advance in the pylon structure to cushion and absorb the peak loads generated during air-launch operations. This beforehand cushioning protects the structural components from excessive forces while enabling the operational flexibility of air-launch capability.
3Reliability
If peak loads are reduced for safer operations, then operational safety is improved, but launch capability and performance are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism provides periodic action by absorbing peak loads during initial acceleration and then allowing the vehicle to accelerate smoothly. This periodic load management protects the structure during critical phases while maintaining full launch capability during the powered flight phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable system acts as an intermediary between the towed aircraft and launch vehicle, transmitting launch forces while allowing the spring mechanism to manage peak loads. This intermediary system enables safe operation by decoupling the peak load management from the continuous thrust generation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system enhances the safety and efficiency of the air-launch process by minimizing aerodynamic attractive forces, allowing for controlled separation and reducing the risk of recontact between the towed aircraft and launch vehicle, enabling successful orbital or suborbital launches.
Implementation Method 1
a spring mechanism, which reduces peak loads on the launch vehicle and the towed aircraft
Implementation Method 2
a drag parachute to reduce the velocity of the launch vehicle
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A launch system and method for orbital or suborbital air-launch of a payload involving releasably coupling a launch vehicle with a towed aircraft via an articulatable carriage to form an air-launch assembly, towing the air-launch assembly via a tow aircraft and interconnected tow cable to a first altitude, releasing the air-launch assembly from tow at or above the first altitude, activating the towed aircraft propulsion system and initiating a pull-up and climb maneuver of the towed aircraft to a second altitude, articulating the articulatable carriage to shift the air-launch assembly from a stowed position to a deployed position with the launch vehicle spaced from the towed aircraft, releasing the launch vehicle from the articulatable carriage and thus from the towed aircraft, and activating the launch vehicle propulsion system for further altitude gain or to meet specific mission requirements.