| Black Colt |
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Air-launched orbital launch vehicle. Family: Air-Launched. Country: USA. Status: Study 1993. Winged, first stage of a launch vehicle using aerial refueling and existing engines. Takes off from runway; rendezvous with tanker to load oxidizer; then flies to Mach 12/150 nm to release Star 48V second stage and 450 kg payload. In comparison to Black Horse, uses existing engines and a much more achievable mass fraction by only flying to half orbital speed.
LEO Payload: 450 kg (990 lb). to: 200 km Orbit. Associated Spacecraft: Black Colt. Liftoff Thrust: 402.050 kN (90,384 lbf). Total Mass: 43,160 kg (95,150 lb). Core Diameter: 4.60 m (15.00 ft). Total Length: 48.00 m (157.00 ft). Flyaway Unit Cost $: 4.100 million. in: 1985 unit dollars.
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