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Morris, Charles E. K., Jr.

Publications and source records attributed to Morris, Charles E. K., Jr..

Technology Innovations from NASA's Next Generation Launch Technology Program

NASA's Next Generation Launch Technology Program has been on the cutting edge of technology, improving the safety, affordability, and reliability of future space-launch-transportation systems. The array of projects focused on propulsion, airframe, and other vehicle systems. Achievements range from building miniature fuel/oxygen sensors to hot-firings of major rocket-engine systems as well as extreme thermo-mechanical testing of large-scale structures. Results to date have significantly advanced technology readiness for future space-launch systems using either airbreathing or rocket propulsion.

Cook, Stephen A.↗

Technologies for the National Aero-Space Plane

Technologies for SSTO and hypersonic atmospheric cruise flight being developed in the context of the National Aero-Space Plane (NASP) program are discussed. Emphasis is given to research in aerothermodynamics, propulsion, fuel technology, structures and materials, vehicle management systems, and CVD and instrumentation tools. Brief attention is also given to the X-30 vehicle and to long-term applications of NASP technologies.

Rausch, Vincent L.↗

Some key considerations for high-speed civil transports

Factors affecting the development of a new generation of high-speed (supersonic/hypersonic) transports are reviewed. Market projections of growth on long-range routes indicate a potential need for faster transport aircraft by the turn of the century. A review of NASA-sponsored studies shows how both market forces and technology combine to define mission performance and vehicle design constraints. The vehicle worth and price projected for a given vehicle are shown to relate to an assumed technology level. Preliminary results from an initial set of vehicle concepts lead to the conclusion that currently projected technology will need to be enhanced with increased research to meet the first market window around the year 2000.

Morris, Charles E. K., Jr.↗

Unique research challenges for high-speed civil transports

Market growth and technological advances are expected to lead to a generation of long-range transports that cruise at supersonic or even hypersonic speeds. Current NASA/industry studies will define the market windows in terms of time frame, Mach number, and technology requirements for these aircraft. Initial results indicate that, for the years 2000 to 2020, economically attractive vehicles could have a cruise speed up to Mach 6. The resulting research challenges are unique. They must be met with technologies that will produce commercially successful and environmentally compatible vehicles where none have existed. Several important areas of research were identified for the high-speed civil transports. Among these are sonic boom, takeoff noise, thermal management, lightweight structures with long life, unique propulsion concepts, unconventional fuels, and supersonic laminar flow.

Jackson, Charlie M., Jr.↗