BOEING EXPLORING ADDING AIR LAUNCH TO ITS DELTA / SEA LAUNCH FAMILIES

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Boeing might expand its family of rockets by building a new air-launched booster that could carry military, commercial and science payloads into to low Earth orbit (LEO). The AirLaunch system is being developed primarily as a near-term, low-cost, launch-on-demand system for the military. AirLaunch could be used to support the deployment and replenishment of LEO communications satellites, hypersonic research, remote sensing and technology development. Designed as a possible launch system for the U.S. Air Force's proposed Space Maneuver Vehicle (SMV), AirLaunch would lift approximately 3,000 kg (7,500 lbm) to LEO, with launch-on-demand features at competitive prices. The AirLaunch system would consist of two basic configurations. The first would support the military and would be capable of placing an SMV into LEO. The second configuration would be available for civil, commercial and military applications using a Conventional Payload Module. Boeing defined its AirLaunch system during a two-phase study conducted during 1999, and keeping development and recurring costs to a minimum was a priority. Thiokol Propulsion would provide the AirLaunch solid rocket motors in a multi-stage configuration. A modified Boeing 747-400F will carry the AirLaunch vehicle to a predetermined launch altitude. During the launch sequence the AirLaunch's wing and tail assembly will provide the necessary lift and lateral stability until 747/launch vehicle separation is achieved. After ignition, the launch vehicle wing and tail assembly will be jettisoned. Boeing declined to discuss the proposed cost of Air Launch, or where a prototype might be built. The feasibility study is expected to take 48 months and would likely involve test flights.

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March 13, 2000

Andrews Space & Technology