Life Cycle Cost Assessments for Military Transatmospheric Vehicles
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Published: 1997
Total Pages: 0
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DOWNLOAD EBOOK →The X-33 and X-34 technology demonstration programs currently under way by NASA may ultimately lead to a commercial reusable launch vehicle (RLV). The first flight test for the X-33 vehicle is planned for early 1999. With NASA fully committed to the development of this first-ever completely reusable vehicle, it is prudent for the Air Force to examine the potential benefits, requirements, and costs for a military transatmospheric vehicle (TAV). This vehicle would take advantage of technologies developed during RLV-related programs. Although similar in concept, a military TAV may differ significantly in design and in capability from an RLV produced to satisfy commercial market needs.