METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR RECOVERY OF AERO-SPACE PLANE TO SPACE Russian patent published in 1997 - IPC

FIELD: aviation and cosmonautics; methods and aero-space systems for delivery of payload to earth orbit or far-out space. SUBSTANCE: simultaneous takeoff and joint parallel flight of aero-space plane and servicing aircraft carrying propellant for liquid-propellant jet engine plant are performed. Aero-space plane and servicing aircraft are connected by means of flexible propellant-transfer device on runway before start and after takeoff of aero-space; after takeoff of aero-space plane (with tanks practically empty), propellant is transferred to above-mentioned engine plant of aero-space plane immediately after takeoff by means of propellant-transfer devices. After required amount of propellant has been transferred, servicing vehicle returns to earth together with propellant transfer appliance and aero-space plane continues performing its mission. EFFECT: enhanced reliability. 17 cl, 7 dwg, 1 tbl