TAKEOFF AND LANDING ANALYSIS METHODOLOGY FOR AN AIRBREATHING SPACE BOOSTER

This study developed methods and a general computer model for analyzin g the guidance, automatic control, and runway performance of a large h orizontal takeoff and landing (HTOL) airbreathing space booster. The m odel treats vehicle translation and rotation during ground run, transi tion, climb out, descent, and flare. Guidance and automatic control eq uations were developed for elevator rate and throttle position command s. A commercial airplane with similar takeoff weight was analyzed and compared with the HTOL space booster takeoff and landing characteristi cs. The study shows that the space booster configuration analyzed in t his work can potentially use the same type of runways as current airpl anes use.