Air-Launched, Air-Augmented Hybrid Rocket
- Paper number
IAC-11,C4,2,13,x11374
- Author
Prof. Paolo Gessini, Universidade de Brasília, Brazil
- Coauthor
Dr. Domenico Simone, Sapienza University Rome, Italy
- Coauthor
Prof. Carlos Alberto Gurgel Veras, Universidade de Brasília, Brazil
- Coauthor
Mr. Pedro Luiz Kaled Da Cás, Universidade de Brasília, Brazil
- Year
2011
- Abstract
This paper presents the results of a conceptual study of an air-augmented rocket system based on liquefying fuel, more specifically paraffin. Work on paraffin/nitrous oxide hybrid rockets has been ongoing at the University of Brasilia for about a decade. The proposed cycle uses a single hybrid propulsion system to initially accelerate the rocket, followed by an air-augmented rocket mode operation, based on the same motor. Subsequent stages would allow payload insertion into orbit. The possibility of launching the vehicle from an airplane, for example a supersonic heavy fighter, is being considered in order to reduce the required $\Delta$v. The paper also addresses a technological assessment of the proposed system partially based on static test firings. The propellants used in the tests are self-pressurized nitrous oxide and vitiated air along with paraffin-based solid fuel.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
(absent)