Aerospace vehicle

摘要

A dual structure aerospace vehicle 10 having an aeroshell structure 11 and an internally disposed separable and reusable integral tank/thrust structure 13 is disclosed. Tank/thrust structure 13 is insulated for cryogenic fuels and the cavity 24 within aeroshell 11 is insulated from the tank/thrust structure (FIG. 2). An internal support ring 26 within cavity 24 serves as attachment for lugs 30 on tank/thrust structure 13 via double hinges 50 (FIGS. 3 and 4). The aft end of tank/thrust structure 13 is provided with rocket engines and exit nozzles 33, 34, 35 with trunnion support 37 supporting the tank/thrust structure within aeroshell 11.