X-30A COPPER CANYON and Tupolev Tu-2000A

[Tuomasn]

My 3D models of two comparable 1980s SSTO projects:

This one is meant to represent the "Government baseline" vehicle that was the end result of the $5.5-million COPPER CANYON study program run in 1984-1985, and input for NASP Phase 2. It was scaled up somewhat from the initial "du Pont baseline" which was to be an "F-15 sized 50,000 pound (22,700 kg) vehicle" to an "SR-71 sized 80,000 pound (36,000 kg) vehicle". Propulsion was provided by du Pont designed engines using a scram-LACE cycle. Payload 2,500 pounds (1130 kg) to polar orbit, propellant mass fraction 0.54, Isp 1,400 s, delta-V 47,000 fps (14,300 m/s).

 

[Tuomasn]

The Tupolev Tu-2000A was to be a demonstrator of a single-stage to orbit spaceplane comparable in function to the US X-30 vehicle. Development started in 1986 as a response to NASP.
Length: 55.5 m
Wingspan: 14.0 m
Height: 12.25 m
Empty weight: 40,000 kg
Take-off weight: 70,000 kg
Propulsion: 2 x D-100 turbofans (Mach=0-2.5), dual-mode scramjet (Mach=2-20), 2 x liquid-propellant rocket engines (Mach>=20), all using slush hydrogen fuel.

 

[Tuomasn]

Finally some comparison views of both vehicles. Note the size difference, though no exact dimensions for the "Government baseline" vehicle are available. Takeoff weights 36,000 kg vs 70,000 kg. Which one is more realistic?

 

[thefrecklepuny]

It's Rocky vs Drago again!

 

[flateric]

The problem is the final configuration of Tu-2000 was very different from the early concepts shown to public.

 

[DrRansom]

Trick question, none of them are realistic.

 

[Tuomasn]

The problem is the final configuration of Tu-2000 was very different from the early concepts shown to public.

I'm aware of that. If one only could have three-views of that configuration (or more images of that model)...
(Another one from buran.ru attached.)

 

[flateric]

These are only two images that left of that model. Model itself was lost either during Tupolev DB relocation or was given to MATI and stolen there.
Drawings are still classified.

 

[Tuomasn]

What a shame the model was lost I think Tupolev museum has the model of the initial Tu-2000 configuration. That drawings are not public was to be expected though.
For this comparison the Tu-2000A is more relevant anyway since it's clearly influenced by the original du Pont design (which has no resemblance to the final NASP configuration either).
Hopefully we can have a NASP a202 / Tu-2000 comparison some day.

 

[AVD Laboratory]

Does there a formal specification exist for Tony duPont's vehicle which became the Government Baseline?

 

[Jason Dykstra (Wyvern)]

What was the intended role of the Tu-2000? I saw it mentioned in a copy of Jane's All the World's Aircraft in the school library, but it could be referring to another project, and I remember very little, if any, information that was written.

 

[Grey Havoc]

Sub-orbital bomber and STTO spaceplane for both military and civilian applications. Another planned role was as a super high-speed intercontinental transport.

Main SPF thread on it: https://www.secretprojects.co.uk/threads/tupolev-tu-2000-other-vks-projects.220/

Also:

Tu-2000

Tu-2000

www.astronautix.com