RLVADS - Reusable Launch Vehicle Air Data System
RLVADS Description
RLVADS is an optical air data system that incorporates Michigan Aerospace
Corporation's LIDAR technology to detect
the atmosphere using both aerosol and molecular components of the scattered
return signal. The near-field portion of this sensor would replace the
current pitot tube technology on an aircraft. The far-field sensor would
profile winds aloft to minimize the uncertainty for guidance and control,
and broaden the available launch window of the spacecraft.
Targeted Vehicle Platforms: SMV, SOV
RLVADS is intended to be installed on an Air Force representative reusable
launch vehicle (RLV). Since the RLVADS instrument is airframe independant,
the basic instrument can be designed without a finalized design of the
specific RLV. The current RLV programs at the Air Force include both
the Space Maneuver Vehicle (SMV) and a Space Operations Vehicle (SOV).
The Boeing X-37 prototype is the current canadite for the SMV platform.
The Boeing X40a is risk reduction prototype for the X-37. Boeing is
also responsible for developing the SOV.
RLVADS Design Specifications
Two function sensor:
- Near Field
- Range < 50m
- Provides air data to the flight control computer during
atmospheric flight
- Multi-axis measurement
- Data update rate / accuracy consistent with the inner
loop vehicle flight control system
- Far Field
- 1km < Range < 10km
- Provides field of measurement flexibility to provide
the vehicle information on wind fields, gust and air turbulence
ahead of the vehicle's flight path
- Launch: minimize the uncertainty for guidance/control
- Broaden the available launch window
- Re-entry / Landing: Minimize the uncertainty for energy
management/guidance/control
- Increases vehicle performance and range
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