The US Air Force Research Laboratory’s (AFRL) spaceplane-like Micro-X vehicle is to undergo windtunnel-based full-flight trajectory aerodynamic loading trials from the third quarter of this year.
The Micro-X is a demonstrator for a reusable second stage vehicle that could be launched on an expendable or reusable first stage.
There have been five versions of the Micro-X first stage so far and one of the second stage. Technologies yet to be developed to realise the Micro-X vehicles are reusable auxiliary power sources, accessible and maintainable avionics, non-expendable igniters and coking-free rocket engines.
Hypersonic aerodynamic and aeroheating testing of Micro-X vehicles will also be conducted in 2007 and 2008, respectively. “The upper stage configuration could be either a powered vertical lander or an unpowered horizontal lander,” says AFRL windtunnel test programme manager Alyson Turri, commenting on potential future design changes.
A Micro-X scale model has already been tested in the Subsonic Aerodynamic Research Laboratory at Wright-Patterson AFB to characterise its stability and control during the landing phase (Flight International, 2-8 May). Both first and upper stages are under development through the USAF’s Hybrid Launch Vehicle and Affordable Responsive Space (ARES) programmes. USAF’s Space and Missile Center is managing ARES, a potential first stage.
Source: Flight International
