Earth-to-Orbit SSTO RLV projects (Martin VTO & Boeing HTO)

[Stargazer]

Just came across this very interesting 1978 paper prepared for NASA by General Research Corp. and depicting a great number of hypothetical orbiter designs, including a "Martin VTO" and a "Boeing HTO". I hope they do not appear elsewhere on the forum already. (my search for them brought no results).

https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/19790019021/downloads/19790019021.pdf

The so-called "Martin VTO" is a 249-ft. vertical takeoff/horizontal landing single-stage-to-orbit (SSTO) launch vehicle (first attachment).

The so-called "Boeing HTO" is a 206-ft. horizontal takeoff and landing single-stage-to-orbit (SSTO) launch vehicle (second attachment).

The other designs in the same paper are by GRC (with one by LaRC) and will be depicted in the next post below.

 

[Stargazer]

Next comes a GRC design for a 239-ft. two-stage vehicle (C).
Like the Martin and the Boeing design, it is all-rocket and sled-assisted.
Like the Boeing design, it is also a horizontal takeoff and landing vehicle.


In parallel with the above three designs, the paper presents three more notional designs:

- a GRC-designed subsonic-staged parallel-lift launch vehicle with single turbojet booster (D)
- an LaRC-designed supersonic-staged parallel-lift launch vehicle with twin booster (E)
- a GRC-designed hypersonic-staged air-breathing two-stage launch vehicle with turbojet plus scramjet booster (F)

The last diagram below recapitulates all six designs.

 

[Stargazer]

Interestingly, a seventh design is introduced, which is not on the above diagram, for a GRC-designed subsonic-staged parallel-lift launch vehicle with twin turbojet booster. In the words of the author "the vehicle design (Fig. 4-9) was available only late in this study, and hence is considered only in the cost analyses". However, the paper presents no less than 4 paintings of the same configuration, with large winged boosters hanging under the main wings.

 

[Grey Havoc]

It would seem to me that the subsonic-staged parallel-lift launch vehicle would be quite a good investment right around now.

 

[Hanse]

This thread is both cool and depressing at the same time.

 

[RanulfC]

Stargazer2006, this is your official "Thanks" for finding that document from me

It was cross-posted to a thread over at nasaspaceflight.com on the forums. The main concept is the Langley "Spacejet" Launch Vehicle Concept which is one I've been interested in for quite a while.

Found topic here:
http://www.secretprojects.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=11026.msg103877;topicseen

But again thanks because I hadn't had any economic analysis before this helps a lot.

Randy

 

[Stargazer]

Stargazer2006, this is your official "Thanks" for finding that document from me

Really glad I could be of some help to you!!

 

[Triton]

Artist's impression of Boeing single-stage-to-orbit (SSTO) spacecraft press photo found on eBay.

Source:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1975-Press-Photo-Boeing-Aerospace-Craft-Drawing-/390448206209?pt=Art_Photo_Images&hash=item5ae886d181

 

[Stargazer]

I especially love the typo on "spacecraft," second line... ;D

 

[GTX]

well, now you know how the launch sequence worked... ;D

 

[flateric]

https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/19780019225/downloads/19780019225.pdf

https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/19780022223/downloads/19780022223.pdf

https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/19780003243/downloads/19780003243.pdf