Jeff Foust @jeff_foust 3m3 minutes ago[DARPA's Pam] Melroy: doing static ground tests of ALASA’s mixed monopropellant now. First launch? “more to tell” in the spring. #ispcs
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency has scrapped plans to launch small satellites from a modified F-15 fighter jet after two tests of a new rocket fuel ended in explosions this year.
Has any thought been given to using a drone rather than a manned aircraft, for these launches? They fly F-4s converted to QF-4s as aerial targets at Tyndall. These can apparently either auto-land or be controlled by a remote pilot for landing if needed. - Ed Kyle
Air launch plans shelved due to safety concerns:http://spacenews.com/darpa-airborne-launcher-effort-falters/QuoteWASHINGTON – The U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency has scrapped plans to launch small satellites from a modified F-15 fighter jet after two tests of a new rocket fuel ended in explosions this year.
As a result, DARPA has abandoned plans, described in the agency’s 2016 budget request, to conduct as many as a dozen ALASA test flights during the upcoming year.
Boeing, subcontractor Orbital ATK of Dulles, Virginia, and DARPA nonetheless plan to continue developing the technology. A third propellant test is imminent.
Has any thought been given to using a drone rather than a manned aircraft, for these launches? They fly F-4s and F-16s converted to QF-4s and QF-16s as aerial targets at Tyndall. These can apparently either auto-land or be controlled by a remote pilot for landing if needed. - Ed Kyle
So I'm confused. Is it canceled?
BTW: here is a patent application: NITROUS OXIDE FUEL BLEND MONOPROPELLANTS http://www.faqs.org/patents/app/20090133788
Can we conclude that a monopropellant system is necessary for ALSA to adequately reduce cost and complexity?
Quote from: edkyle99 on 11/30/2015 03:10 pmHas any thought been given to using a drone rather than a manned aircraft, for these launches? They fly F-4s converted to QF-4s as aerial targets at Tyndall. These can apparently either auto-land or be controlled by a remote pilot for landing if needed. - Ed KyleI thought the last QF-4's where retired this year, leaving only the smaller QF-16's.http://www.airforcetimes.com/story/military/2015/05/30/qf4-targeting-drone-last-flight/28015077/
Quote from: kevin-rf on 11/30/2015 05:22 pmQuote from: edkyle99 on 11/30/2015 03:10 pmHas any thought been given to using a drone rather than a manned aircraft, for these launches? They fly F-4s converted to QF-4s as aerial targets at Tyndall. These can apparently either auto-land or be controlled by a remote pilot for landing if needed. - Ed KyleI thought the last QF-4's where retired this year, leaving only the smaller QF-16's.http://www.airforcetimes.com/story/military/2015/05/30/qf4-targeting-drone-last-flight/28015077/ QF-4s are still flying at Holloman AFB. https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/usaf-qf-4s-set-for-2017-out-of-service-date-418868/... - Ed Kyle
How does that affect SALVO which was supposed to be a sort of pathfinder ?http://spacenews.com/40769darpa-developing-operational-pathfinder-for-alasa-air-launch-system/
Does anybody know about the dimensions of the ALASA rocket ? all I can find is 24 ft length. also maximum payload of a F-15E in 24500 pounds.