GNC requirements of for a Long Range Hypersonic Transport System

Abstract

The objective of a long range hypersonic transportation system is to take advantage of high altitude and high velocity to perform intercontinental flight in the order on one hour. The SpaceLiner concept has been proposed by the Space Launcher Systems Analysis group (SART) of the German Aerospace Center (DLR). In the frame of the European Commission project FAST20XX, this concept has been further investigated in several areas. This paper presents the results of the Guidance, Navigation and Control (GNC) analyses for the SpaceLiner concept. The flight mechanics of the Spaceliner concept is analysed to provide requirements in terms of Flying Qualities, layout (centre of gravity location), angle of attack corridor and entry corridor during the flight. Trajectory control capability is assessed through Guidance assessments. An adaptive guidance technique has been layout to assess the trajectory control margins and expected guidance performance. Alternative flight trajectories have been proposed to ensure margins for trajectory control while preserving the main vehicle and mission constraints.