lonestarflight
Space Shuttle, Phase B: Grumman Design 518
Information from Grumman's submitted application on their design:
"Design 518 is a fully responsive and balanced reusable, two-stage design based on the prescribed 3.5 million lb gross lift-off weight (GLOW). The aerodynamic configuration of the orbiter was. derived from an investigation of straight, swept delta, and lifting body configurations. The selec ted lifting body appears competitive in all respects (weight, flying qualities, elastic characteristics) and provides the potential for straightforward evolution to high crossrange reentry as thermal protection systems become qualified. Evaluation of a single aerodynamic configuration will provide a clear cut understanding of the weight, performance, and cost penalties associated with increased cross range. In the low cross-range mode, results to date show that the 3.5 million lb GLOW limits the fully internal payload to 32,200 lb. The Design 518 orbiter represents a near optimum balance between size of vehicle, size of payload, and propulsion capa bility (AV) apportionment.
The Design 518 booster is a weight conscious, conservatively designed delta-wing configuration which includes the prescribed 400,000 lb thrust high-pressure rocket engines. A refinement which demands investigation is the application of larger, 1,000,000 Ib thrust high-pressure engines. Preliminary design. will be performed on Design 518, as described in Section 1 of this proposal. An acquisition plan will be created which will include the 400,000 lb thrust high-pressure engines and other characteristics decribed in the Statement of Work and its appendices. The program cost will be assessed for the IOC of late 1977. Grumman and its associates will pursue all of the objectives and requirements of the RFP for Design 518. In summary, Design 518 demonstrates that an attractive and promising responsive design can be achieved within the 3.5 million lb GLOW. With refinement, which can be expected during the Phase B study, we believe that improved payload capability can be obtained while continuing to observe the weight margin rules called for by the RFP."
Artwork by Thomas Becker, 1972: link
