Joseph V Bomba

US Patent:

20060226295, Oct 12, 2006

Filed:

Mar 25, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/090928

Inventors:

Douglas Gulick - Littleton CO, US
Joseph Bomba - Highlands Ranch CO, US

International Classification:

B64G 1/00

US Classification:

244158900

Abstract:

A high performance (high L/D ratio) launch vehicle is tuned for passive or limited control re-entry. In one embodiment, the re-entry vehicle () includes a fuselage portion () and wing portions (and ) extending from opposite sides thereof. Various vehicle configuration parameters are tuned to allow for passive or limited control re-entry. In particular, the swept wings have a dihedral configuration and the nose of the vehicle () is widened. In operation, the vehicle () penetrates the outer atmosphere at a high angle of attack and transitions to an aerodynamic angle of attack for substantial cross range and down range control within the lower atmosphere. The vehicle () thereby provides for enhanced re-entry safety while reducing propellant requirements, reducing loads and meeting human rating requirements.