System and method for air launch from a towed aircraft
US9944410B1 · kind B1 · utility
9Cited by
11References
18Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 18, 2016 |
| Grant date | Apr 17, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 16, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64D5/00
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The invention is a system and method of air launching a powered launch vehicle into space or high altitude. More specifically, the invention is a tow aircraft which tows an unpowered glider, with the powered launch vehicle attached thereto, to launch altitude. The powered launch vehicle is released from the unpowered glider and powered on for launch.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.