The status of aerospaceplane research in the UK
Abstract
A development history and current-status evaluation is presented for the UK's Horizontal Takeoff and Landing ('HOTOL') family of possible next-generation, fully reusable launch vehicle configurations. The configurational possibilities covered to date encompass an SSTO airbreathing 'Configuration K', rocket-powered versions with either tripropellant or LOX/LH2 engines, the twin-engined 'Skylon' vehicle, and the use of the AN-225 airlifter as the first stage of a two-stage-to-orbit system carrying either the airbreathing, internal fuel-tankage HOTOL orbiter or a small manned orbiter with external drop tank.
- Publication:
-
AIAA Materials Specialist Conference - Coating Technology for Aerospace Systems
- Pub Date:
- December 1992
- Bibcode:
- 1992aiaa.meetQV...P
- Keywords:
-
- Aerospace Planes;
- Air Breathing Engines;
- Hotol Launch Vehicle;
- Single Stage To Orbit Vehicles;
- Aerospace Industry;
- Aircraft Carriers;
- Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles;
- Space Transportation;
- Uk Satellites;
- Launch Vehicles and Space Vehicles