The present disclosure relates to a launch system and method. The launch system and method can include at least a preliminary accelerator tube system (PAT) that can be combined with one or more of a main accelerator tube system (MAT), a flight test tube, or a soft catch. The PAT alone or combined with the MAT can be used for launch of a vehicle for testing and/or for delivery of a payload.

The present disclosure relates to a launch system and method. The launch system and method can include at least a preliminary accelerator tube system (PAT) that can be combined with one or more of a main accelerator tube system (MAT), a flight test tube, or a soft catch. The PAT alone or combined with the MAT can be used for launch of a vehicle for testing and/or for delivery of a payload.

A ram accelerator for accelerating a projectile is provided. The ram accelerator includes a baffle section configured to start the projectile in the ram accelerator without an obturator. The ram accelerator generally includes a tube having a projectile bore; and a baffle section operably coupled to a proximal end of the tube. The baffle section has an annular baffle wall defining a central bore axially aligned with the projectile bore; and a propellant chamber arranged adjacent to the annular baffle wall, wherein the propellant chamber is configured to enclose a propellant. The propellant can be ignited as the projectile passes through the baffle section by pressure created by the projectile, by an ignition source, or by a flame carried by the projectile to start the ram acceleration of the projectile.

A ram accelerator for accelerating a projectile is provided. The ram accelerator includes a baffle section configured to start the projectile in the ram accelerator without an obturator. The ram accelerator generally includes a tube having a projectile bore; and a baffle section operably coupled to a proximal end of the tube. The baffle section has an annular baffle wall defining a central bore axially aligned with the projectile bore; and a propellant chamber arranged adjacent to the annular baffle wall, wherein the propellant chamber is configured to enclose a propellant. The propellant can be ignited as the projectile passes through the baffle section by pressure created by the projectile, by an ignition source, or by a flame carried by the projectile to start the ram acceleration of the projectile.

The present disclosure relates to a launch system and method. The launch system and method can include at least a preliminary accelerator tube system (PAT) that can be combined with one or more of a main accelerator tube system (MAT), a flight test tube, or a soft catch. The PAT alone or combined with the MAT can be used for launch of a vehicle for testing and/or for delivery of a payload.

The present disclosure relates to a launch system and method. The launch system and method can include at least a preliminary accelerator tube system (PAT) that can be combined with one or more of a main accelerator tube system (MAT), a flight test tube, or a soft catch. The PAT alone or combined with the MAT can be used for launch of a vehicle for testing and/or for delivery of a payload.

Dynamic ram accelerator operation permits operation with lower acceleration, permitting launch of acceleration sensitive payloads such as crewed vehicles. Operational cost is reduced, and reliability improved, by reducing or eliminating internal consumable parts. Relative motion between a projectile and propellant at entry to the ram accelerator enables initial ram combustion at relatively lower velocity. Valves may maintain separation between sections within the ram accelerator that contain different propellant compositions. Timing of valve opening and closing is coordinated to provide conditions suitable for ram combustion. Control over propagation speed of propellant within the system may be obtained using one or more of baffle shape, baffle spacing, propellant temperature, propellant pressure, propellant mixture, temperature of components such as baffles, and so forth. Before the projectile is launched, internal separators between sections are removed, providing an open path to the ram accelerator exit.

Dynamic ram accelerator operation permits operation with lower acceleration, permitting launch of acceleration sensitive payloads such as crewed vehicles. Operational cost is reduced, and reliability improved, by reducing or eliminating internal consumable parts. Relative motion between a projectile and propellant at entry to the ram accelerator enables initial ram combustion at relatively lower velocity. Valves may maintain separation between sections within the ram accelerator that contain different propellant compositions. Timing of valve opening and closing is coordinated to provide conditions suitable for ram combustion. Control over propagation speed of propellant within the system may be obtained using one or more of baffle shape, baffle spacing, propellant temperature, propellant pressure, propellant mixture, temperature of components such as baffles, and so forth. Before the projectile is launched, internal separators between sections are removed, providing an open path to the ram accelerator exit.