Engineering topics

Bulk, Tim

Publications and source records attributed to Bulk, Tim.

4 records

NASA NTRS2011

The External Payload Carrier - A Suborbital Research Platform

High altitude, suborbital research payloads are typically restricted to small packages (in terms of both volume and mass) due to the delivery platform employed. Sounding rockets that normally provide these services have payload capacities which severely limit the size and scope of the research to be performed. A new research platform is currently in the early development phase for large (both volume and mass) payload microgravity suborbital payloads seeking access to these regimes. The EXternal Payload Carrier (XPC) utilizes an open solid rocket motor position on the Atlas V vehicle and aerodynamically mimics the outer contour of a solid rocket motor. This presentation will detail the current state of the design and capability of XPC for potential future users.

Schallhorn, Paul↗

NASA NTRS2011

External Payload Carrier (XPC) A Suborbital Research Platform

This slide presentation details the concept of an External Payload Carrier (XPC), that can fly on ann unused Solid Rocket Booster (SRB) location on the Atlas V rocket to suborbital environment. The XPC can be used anytime there is sufficient excess lift capability available. The dimensions and possible uses of the XPC are reviewed. The completed Phase 1 study reviewed 57 variations, and arrived at three viable configurations, identified design baselines, subsystems and preliminary testing requirements. Phase II effort is planned to produce the preliminary design (i.e., PDR level), Systems Requirements Document (SRD), identify flight candidates, develop schedule and funding profiles, and identify the risk-reduction activities.

Schallhorn, Paul↗

NASA NTRS2010

External Payload Carrier (XPC) - A Novel Platform for Suborbital Research

ULA, SAS, and NASA LSP are examining a new platform for suborbital research utilizing the Atlas V Launch Vehicle. The new platform, XPC, fills a new niche within the suborbital realm Large Heavy Lift (approximately 1200 cubic feet, 5000 lb payload). It will not compete with the commercial suborbital launch sector. The XPC will utilize excess performance on Atlas V missions. The Preliminary Design phase is recently underway. The XPC team is soliciting input from potential users.

Schallhorn, Paul↗

NASA NTRS1992

Hypersonic reconnaissance aircraft

A conceptual design of a hypersonic reconnaissance aircraft for the U.S. Navy is discussed. After eighteen weeks of work, a waverider design powered by two augmented turbofans was chosen. The aircraft was designed to be based on an aircraft carrier and to cruise 6,000 nautical miles at Mach 4;80,000 feet and above. As a result the size of the aircraft was only allowed to have a length of eighty feet, fifty-two feet in wingspan, and roughly 2,300 square feet in planform area. Since this is a mainly cruise aircraft, sixty percent of its 100,000 pound take-off weight is JP fuel. At cruise, the highest temperature that it will encounter is roughly 1,100 F, which can be handled through the use of a passive cooling system.

Bulk, Tim↗