Author Topic: Reusable Winged Atlas/Centaur (Read 3488 times)

Generic Username · « **on:** 05/12/2008 05:45 pm »

A concept that Convair/GD pushed for a while in the 1960's was a flyback version of the Atlas. The core would be structurally strengthened, the booster engines would be permanently afixed, wings, landing gear, jet engines and a cockpit would be added.

Additionally, the Centaur would be repackaged as the propulsion system for a lifting body "space shuttle." End result would be a fully reusable space launcher based in part on existing hardware.

meiza · « **Reply #1 on:** 05/12/2008 07:07 pm »

Extremely fascinating.

Maybe this was killed by high budget, big payload penalties and low perceived demand so low flight rate...

Some day I'll buy all of your publications, when I happen to have more loose money...

carmelo · « **Reply #2 on:** 05/12/2008 07:37 pm »

You have nothing on "Douglas Astro" project?

Generic Username · « **Reply #3 on:** 05/12/2008 07:47 pm »

Quote

carmelo - 12/5/2008 1:37 PM

You have nothing on "Douglas Astro" project?

I have several documents on Astro.

Generic Username · « **Reply #4 on:** 05/12/2008 07:50 pm »

Quote

Maybe this was killed by high budget, big payload penalties and low perceived demand so low flight rate...

Mostly it died the usual death of most 1960's resuable space launch systems: competition amongst a *vast* number of studies to fill a very limited niche. A niche that in the end essentially went unfilled, because the target - resupplying manned space stations - never really came about.

carmelo · « **Reply #5 on:** 05/13/2008 08:28 pm »

Quote

Generic Username - 12/5/2008 2:47 PM

Quote
carmelo - 12/5/2008 1:37 PM

You have nothing on "Douglas Astro" project?

I have several documents on Astro.

This is very interesting.
In the Dennis Jenkins's book about the Shuttle i not have found nothing about this project.
Is possible a little preview on Douglas Astro?
Thanks.