Astronomy:OIAV
OIAV: Orbit Insertion Assist Vehicle
Please refer to "Flyback Booster"
The OIAV is a hypothetical aircraft that would carry a spacecraft into thin atmosphere before release.
Basic Concept
The aircraft would be able to "piggyback" a spacecraft, similar to the Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (however much larger). An OIAV would need to ascend to 50+ nautical miles. The OIAV would then release the spacecraft, along with a redesigned fuel tank (and fly to the ground) while the spacecraft would then start its main engines. In the thin atmosphere the spacecraft would not need nearly as much fuel to propel itself to LEO (Low Earth Orbit) when compared to the enormous amounts of fuel (solid and liquid) needed to send the Space Shuttle, in its present form, into space.
Main Advantages
Since there are no SRB's (solid rocket boosters), the mission could be aborted at any point in the flight.
The OIAV would not have to achieve supersonic speeds while ascending. This would minimize drag and put less stress on the leading edges of the spacecraft.. also having the advantage of minimizing vibrations. All present launch platforms severely vibrate the payload.
External links
Crude Sketch of a possible OIAV Design
Another OIAV Design based on the Boeing Sonic Cruiser layout
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