VKS-R

Sled launched, delta winged, single-stage-to-orbit, Lox/LH2 launch vehicle. 290 tonne and 550 tonne versions considered. Studied in tradeoff studies leading to MAKS. Release conditions: Piggy-back, 290,000 kg, Mach 0.5, zero altitude. Effective velocity gain compared to vertical launch 100 m/s. The wheeled sled would get the vehicle up to a velocity where the wings could provide lift, allowing lower-thrust engines to be used than in a vertical-takeoff design. This saved weight, but velocity losses during lifting flight to orbit almost cancelled the advantage, resulting in the approach being unattractive in comparison to pure vertical-launch or air-launch designs.

Manufacturer: Molniya. LEO Payload: 4,000 kg (8,800 lb). to: 200 km Orbit. at: 51.00 degrees. Total Mass: 290,000 kg (630,000 lb).

• Lozino-Lozinskiy, G E, editor, Aviationno-kosmicheskiye sistemy, MAI, Moscow, 1997. ISBN: 5703520681. Russian language collection of technical papers that cover the design, development, engineering, and flight test results of the BOR-4, BOR-5, Buran, and MAKS spaceplanes. Includes intermediate designs More at amazon.com...