Takeoff and landing analysis methodology for an airbreathing space booster

Abstract This study developed methods and a general computer model for analyzing the guidance, automatic control, and runway performance of a large horizontal takeoff and landing (HTOL) airbreathing space booster. The model treats vehicle translation and rotation during ground run, transition, climb out, descent, and flare. Guidance and automatic control equations were developed for elevator rate and throttle position commands. A commercial airplane with similar takeoff weight was analyzed and compared with the HTOL space booster takeoff and landing characteristics. The study shows that the space booster configuration analyzed in this work can potentially use the same type of runways as current airplanes use.