The Concept and Theoretical Performance of Vertical Rocket Launcher Aircraft

Abstract

A concept of a new type of military aircraft called rocket launcher aircraft (RLA) is presented. RLA is effectively a reusable first stage of a two-stage military rocket. The second stage called drone launched short range rocket (DLSRR) is disposable. DLSRR is discussed in author’s previous work and the present work can be viewed as a sequel to afore article. The function of an RLA is to raise one or more DLSRR to an altitude of up to 100 km and to supply them with initial velocity of up to 2,355 m/s. The DLSRRs are fired at high initial velocity and altitude. This enables them to reach targets at the distances of hundreds of kilometers at much lower cost than conventional short range rockets. RLA returns to the base within 6.5 to 8 minutes of its launch. It should be able to perform two to four sorties per hour and 30 to 50 sorties per day. RLA has one or more primary rocket engines for liftoff and acceleration. Most RLAs have one or more auxiliary propeller engines for landing. Some RLAs use their primary rocket engines for landing. Light RLAs may be able to land using only a parachute. A great variety of RLAs with liftoff mass ranging from 1 ton to over 1,000 tons is possible. Some RLAs have disposable fuel tanks. In this work we calculate performance of a light (10 tons), medium (55 tons) and heavy (390 tons) RLAs. Every RLA should be capable of both vertical and forward-leaning trajectories. In this work, we focus on vertical ones. We hope that, Rocket Launcher Aircraft hold a great promise for the future.