Patent ID: 8168929
Filing Date: 2012-05-01
Classification: B64D

Abstract:
1. A non-powered aero-assisted pre-stage for launch of single-stage and multiple-stage ballistic rockets and aero-assisted vehicles, henceforth referred to as space vehicles, comprising: a. an airframe which can be attached to a space vehicle to form a stack, said airframe having an aerodynamic shape capable of providing aerodynamic lift sufficient for take-off at airspeeds of subsonic jet airplanes, and ascent of said vehicle using propulsion of said vehicle, b. said airframe having a planform with a low enough aspect ratio, to ensure mechanical strength, sufficient to carry said space vehicle, c. said airframe having an undercarriage for supporting said stack on a runway during roll-out and take-off, d. said airframe having a flight control system for providing flight control of said stack and glide of said airframe after separation, and e. said airframe having a hold-and-release mechanism for holding said vehicle to said airframe and releasing said vehicle at a separation altitude, whereby said non-powered aero-assisted pre-stage provides a capability to launch both said ballistic rockets and aero-assisted flight vehicles from airport runways in a conventional airplane-like fashion.