Update on an old design -- Starlighter Shuttle
 

I thought I'd shove this one back out to let everyone see what it looks like rendered with all the flight hardware in place.

One thing RockSim says I need for the boost phase is a 1 oz ballast in each booster. A lot of ballast, and I may try to trim this down a bit, but still the model reaches 1300' on a pair of D12-7 engines, with a Dv of only 5 FPS. It takes 32" out of 36, which means I might want to change the launch lug to a 3/16" and use a 48" rod instead.

Keep in mind, this model is not ready-to-fly in its current configuration. The booster detach mechanism is not going to work as-drawn. It needs something else, possibly a more active capture-hold-forced-release system. Sliding catch tubes, or something similar. It's still a work-in-progress...

Whoa, cluster... drool.... :chuckle:

This thing is screaming to be built and tested!

Looks like your using the Orbital Transport glider mount. You don't think it will work?

I bet if you added a second hook near the center of the glider that would help keep it stable and still release properly. The second hook would only need to be say a 1/4" long.

Yes, and no...

Notice how the booster mount lug is on the back side of the forward pylon. Notice also the forward-motion / rear-motion blocking ring fitting into the rear pylon. The problem currently is, the booster can't move forward, but it can't move backward, either. This presents a problem, in that you need the rearward motion to allow the forward lug to clear the dowel, but you also don't want the booster sliding off before launch.

It's something I need to study more. I haven't done enough BG building to know what works and what doesn't.

Craig,

The Rear Booster Pylon's are going to be glued to the boosters, correct?

If that's the case this should work as is because the boosters will be forced back during ejection and the glider will continue to move forward. Yes?

Try not to over think it ;) :D


Another question, the boosters will be held together with something, correct? :chuckle:

Nope.



Nope.

:confused: Ok.... so your attempting to simulate strap-on boosters. Interesting, how about making the boosters separate in the center.

Just throwing some ideas out there.

Outstanding work Craig. Positively my favorite McGraw design thus far! :cool:

03-04-2009 Revision
 

Here's a couple of updates to the Starlighter stack. The rear hold-down is still a WIP, but the booster forward attachment (not yet drawn in place) is going to be fairly standard. The general idea is, the booster is prevented from being pushed backward during the ascent or at deployment. The forward portion of the booster is allowed to slide forward, for at least 1" before separating, and this pulls a dowel pin out of the hold-down lug. Once the forward hold-down is clear, the booster can then fall outward. I'm still working on the rear hold-downs.

The shuttle itself has been moved forward about 2" from the previous revision. Also, I have added some forward fins to help in the eventual glide of the shuttle. These may need to be enlarged before the final version is flight-ready.