PRESSURE-EQUALIZING CRADLE FOR BOOSTER ROCKET MOUNTING

摘要

A launch system and method improve the launch efficiency of a booster rocket and payload. A launch aircraft atop which the booster rocket is mounted in a cradle, is flown or towed to an elevation at which the booster rocket is released. The cradle provides for reduced structural requirements for the booster rocket by including a compressible layer, that may be provided by a plurality of gas or liquid-filled flexible chambers. The compressible layer contacts the booster rocket along most of the length of the booster rocket to distribute applied pressure, nearly eliminating bending loads. Distributing the pressure eliminates point loading conditions and bending moments that would otherwise be generated in the booster rocket structure during carrying. The chambers may be balloons distributed in rows and columns within the cradle or cylindrical chambers extending along a length of the cradle. The cradle may include a manifold communicating gas between chambers.

主权项

1. A system for carrying a booster rocket, comprising:
a launch aircraft for transporting the booster rocket to an elevation above a body; and a cradle affixed atop the launch aircraft for carrying the booster rocket, wherein the cradle includes a compressible layer to distribute pressure applied by the cradle to surfaces of the booster rocket by contacting the booster rocket along most of the length of booster rocket to support a weight of the booster rocket atop the launch aircraft.