>>1691737 (lb)
>http://articles.latimes.com/1986-07-06/opinion/op-23298_1_u-s-air-force
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ariane_%28rocket_family%29
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Looks like this was a long time predecessor for SpacEx's reusable booster tech. wow!
and clowns try to divide. filtered.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liquid_fly-back_booster
The overall concept of the liquid boosters in the LFBB programme was to retain the Ariane 5's core and upper stages, along with the payload fairings, and replace its solid rocket boosters (EAP P241, from French Étages d’Accélération à Poudre) with reusable liquid rocket boosters. These boosters would provide the main thrust during take-off. After separation, they would return to a spaceport in French Guiana for landing. This vertical take-off, horizontal landing (VTHL) mode of operation would allow liquid fly-back boosters to continue operating from the Guiana Space Centre, thus avoiding any major changes to the ascend profile of Ariane 5. Launch vehicle payload performance of the Cryogenic Evolution type-A (ECA) variant would increase from 10,500 kg (23,100 lb) to 12,300 kg (27,100 lb).[3][4]:214
In the reference design, each LFBB consists of three engines installed in a circular arrangement at the aft of the vehicle. Each engine is a Vulcain engine with reduced expansion ratio. An additional three turbofan air-breathing engines, installed in the nose section, provide power for fly-back. The fuselage is 41 m (135 ft) long, with an outer tank diameter of 5.45 m (17.9 ft), specifically designed to match the existing Ariane 5 core stage and to reduce manufacturing costs. A low-wing V-tail canard configuration was selected,[4] with a wingspan of approximately 21 m (69 ft) and an area of 115 m2 (1,240 sq ft).[2] The aerofoil was based on a transonic profile from the Royal Aircraft Establishment (RAE 2822). The gross lift-off mass (GLOW) of each booster is 222.5 tonnes (245.3 short tons), with 54 tonnes (60 short tons) upon separation and 46.2 tonnes (50.9 short tons) dry mass. In comparison, the GLOW for EAP P241 is 273 tonnes (301 short tons).[4]:209,210,214
>Definitely some serious deep state money being used in these programs. Anyone have the patent for SpacEx's return boosters off hand?
multiple meanings anon. good thinking!! me likey.
https://qz.com/1016072/a-multimedia-history-of-every-single-one-of-spacexs-attempts-to-land-its-booster-rocket-back-on-earth/
>couldn't find the patent but looks like they have been having court issues ref the patent.
<BLUE ORIGIN