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Specifically, which large helicopter has the required payload capacity? Also, rockets are built to support compressive loads. The tensile loads imposed by a pa
by lutorm 11y ago
Specifically, which large helicopter has the required payload capacity?
Also, rockets are built to support compressive loads. The tensile loads imposed by a parachute slowing the stage down are completely different, so there's no guarantee you could even use a parachute without significant strengthening of the structure.
- stcredzero 11y agoSpecifically, which large helicopter has the required payload capacity? One might have to build one, and the scheme may well only be suitable for smaller rockets. Also, the point isn't to slow down the 1st stage from max velocity. It's to replace the landing legs after a near-hover.
- nether 11y ago> One might have to build one > One might have to start an entire aircraft development program, employing a hundred or so rotorcraft engineers, constructing test facilities along the way, that might take years and tens of millions to complete
- msandford 11y ago> might take years and tens of millions to complete Only if it's SpaceX doing it. If it were anybody else, I'd guess over a decade and hundreds of millions.