LAUNCH VEHICLE RECOVERABLE BOOSTER Russian patent published in 2008 - IPC B64G1/14 

FIELD: rocketry and space engineering.

SUBSTANCE: proposed booster includes rocket pod with propellant tanks and rocket engine, lifting aerodynamic surface connected to rocket pod according to low-wing monoplane arrangement and nose fairing. Lifting aerodynamic surface is made in form of platform-airframe having form of leading edge variable-sweep wing in plan; area of lifting surface is equal to (20-35)·(L/D)², where L is length of platform-airframe and D is rocket pod diameter; it is provided with outer-wing panels articulated to root section and so constructed that axes of turn of outer-wing panels are located at angle relative to plane of symmetry of booster with point of intersection located behind butt of platform-airframe. In stowed position, outer-wing panels are located under lower surface of root section of lifting aerodynamic surface and their end edges are parallel relative to longitudinal axis of platform-airframe. Nose fairing and leading edges of wing are pointed at bluntness radius of from 3 to 5 mm. Proposed booster ensures highly efficient use of kinetic energy for return of booster to launch area with no use of air-jet engines and fuel for their operation.

EFFECT: enhanced efficiency; enhanced aerodynamic efficiency at supersonic and subsonic speeds of flight; enhanced stability and controllability of booster at rear position of its center of mass; reduced number of aerodynamic control surfaces.

4 cl, 5 dwg