Space Plane Article
An introduction is provided below to a concept for safe vehicle design applicable to human
space flight known as the modular Aircraft Escape Cabin. Two primary factors needed for a
practical space transportation system are an efficient means of propulsion and a reusable
vehicle. For human operations, reliability and safety factors are of equal importance. This new
escape system is for use on space vehicles and high performance aircraft. Having the ability
for passengers and crew to recover from an in-flight emergency would speed development of
new vehicles and propulsion systems by managing risk, easing regulatory challenges and
enabling flight test vehicle availability.
Utilization of aircraft-style operations has long been considered the ideal way for people to
access space. However, aircraft flight profiles did not satisfy the initial requirement for space
vehicles which was to deliver ballistic weapons. The military criteria mandated a rapid vertical
launch and ballistic re-entry to minimize flight time and possible interception of the warhead.
Historically, civilian space programs emerged from ballistic missile technology and military
space activities.
The Space Shuttle was the first semi re-useable launch vehicle. The Orbiter glides back to a
runway landing, the solid rocket boosters are recovered from the ocean, and only the external
tank is expendable. Initially the Orbiter design incorporated a human escape system; however,
it was eliminated due to the system’s complexity and weight penalties. The large number of
RLV designs being considered today indicates their attractive economical advantages. As with
the Shuttle, most all of these designs rely on the primary vehicle to return. Neither
“SpaceShipTwo” nor “Lynx” by XCOR have an emergency recovery capability. Blue Origin has
not released information on their vertical launch and return vehicle, but their crew capsule may
possibly be able to separate in an emergency from the vehicle and be recovered by parachute.
The risks associated with rocket engines, volatile fuels, extreme speeds and the space
environment justify an escape and recovery system. Other than Apollo-style capsules, there is
not a current escape system designed for space vehicles. The AEC satisfies these needs
without significant weight penalties, complex systems or high costs. The modular design
minimizes weight penalties by enabling all components to function in dual roles under normal
operations and in emergency situations with the exception of the parachute. The plug-in
attachment technique minimizes complexity and costs. The flight controls on the escape cabin
enables it to stabilize flight, decelerate, glide and select a desirable landing site. The AEC
satisfies the safety needs for high-risk vehicles as well as high performance aircraft.
The imminent flights of SpaceShipTwo and other sub-orbital space planes will demonstrate
the capabilities of rapid global point-to-point transportation and efficient space planes. As an
outcome of this development, military, government and commercial programs will compete to
develop new engines and reusable space vehicles. A practical escape system will become a
vital component for the success of future human space vehicles.
The AEC can be demonstrated promptly and economically using an existing airframe. Once
demonstrated, the technology can be licensed for military aircraft, flight test vehicles and new
space planes. The same aircraft modified to demonstrate the AEC can be equipped with rocket
engines to operate as the first commercial space flight test vehicle. Optimum development of
new space vehicles and propulsion systems will require space flight test vehicles for high
fidelity data and simulation.
By using an existing airframe such as the Learjet, the AEC technique can be demonstrated in
twelve months at an estimated cost of five million dollars. With installation of a rocket
propulsion system, a modified aircraft can safely operate as a space flight test vehicle. Each
flight will generate revenue from flight test services and sponsorships. Operating at speeds
and altitudes unattainable by current aircraft, the vehicle will support development of new
engines and high speed vehicles by providing the platform and aerodynamic data necessary.
Should a catastrophic failure occur, the AEC will recover the crew and flight test data to analyze
the specific failure.
The success of future human space vehicles depends on their safety, economics and engine
performance. The AEC offers a practical method to solve safety issues for space planes and
military aircraft. These two markets desperately need new escape technology and represent a
tremendous potential market. The proposed flight demonstration opens these markets and
creates a new one for space flight test vehicles. The AEC business plan requires minimum
investment, involves minimal risk, has no existing competition, and accesses multiple
markets. A good analogy is the development of our modern skyscrapers. We had the capability,
but it was not until Elisha Otis introduced the “safety brake” for elevators, that soaring
skyscrapers became practical. The AEC, a new modular escape system holds similar potential
to open space by providing that same vital element of near-perfect safety.
| A Safe and Practical Space Plane Robert N. Talmage, Jr., President TAAS Company, Flight Safety for the 21st Century |
Historical Perspective
Reusable Launch Vehicles (RLV)
| The Modular Aircraft Escape Cabin (AEC) (US patent # 6,776,373) |
| Market Potential for Space Flight Test Vehicles |
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| Conclusion |