Fundamental Physics of Periodic Hypersonic Cruise Trajectories

This technical note attempts to illustrate some of the important features associated with periodic hypersonic cruise trajectories for global reach. These trajectories have been previously shown to have enhanced payload carrying capacity for global ranges. In addition, these trajectories have been shown to reduce the effective heat load of vehicles attempting to fly globally. This technical note attempts to provide some insight as to why these trajectories have better performance than other trajectory forms. Specifically, this note attempts to address the following items: ffl fuel consumption savings comparison of trajectory types ffl drag and heat load comparison of trajectory types ffl sensitivity of global reach performance to fuel mass fraction ffl global reach comparison of trajectory types with rocket propulsion Assistant Professor, Senior Member AIAA. y Graduate Research Student, Student Member AIAA. z Research Engineer Copyright c fl1998. All rights reserved. Nomenclat..