3 ms·
This; plus you need to duplicate structures to make the launch vehicle work in both air-breathing and rocket mode. This whole approach (incl. SpaceShipOne and
by cm277 3y ago
This; plus you need to duplicate structures to make the launch vehicle work in both air-breathing and rocket mode. This whole approach (incl. SpaceShipOne and Pegasus) was trying to disrupt non-reusable rocket launch. Re-usable rocket launch is a much better/greater disruptor than some sort of hybrid vehicle.
Possible exception of course are hypersonic military vehicles (spyplanes or missiles). So there's that.
- pfdietz 3y agoAir breathing is a much better match for cruise missions (that sustain a speed for long periods of time) than it is for acceleration missions (that bring a vehicle to a high speed over a shorter period of time).