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Winged orbital launch vehicle. Family: Winged. Country: UK. Status: Study 1968. The British Aircraft Corporation "Multi-Unit Space Transport And Recovery Device" design of 1964-1965 was a winged two-stage-to-orbit reuseable space shuttle using the 'triamese' concept. The three components of the design were lifting bodies with a configuration similar to the American HL-10 vehicle. BAC sought to reduce development cost by use of two boosters nearly identical to the orbiter vehicle. Although the orbiter's engines would be firing at lift-off, it would start its burn to orbit with nearly a full fuel load. Propellant from the two boosters would be pumped into the orbiter prior to separation. This would potentially have allowed the orbiter to reach the moon - a unique capability for a winged reusable design. Various configurations were examined (back-to-back, triangular back-to-back, 2 x back-to back and 1 inline). Developed by a team led by Tom Smith, the MUSTARD vehicles would have been capable of being flown back via remote control or by a pilot. Manufacturer: British Aerospace. Liftoff Thrust: 4,794.400 kN (1,077,824 lbf). Total Mass: 424,270 kg (935,350 lb). Core Diameter: 4.00 m (13.10 ft). Total Length: 36.00 m (118.00 ft). Flyaway Unit Cost $: 54.000 million. in: 1985 unit dollars.
Mustard Chronology 1964 - MUSTARD - Multi-Unit Space Transport And Recovery Device study British Aircraft Corporation study of 1964-1965 for winged reuseable space shuttle using the 'triamese' concept - reduced costs by use of two boosters nearly identical to the orbiter vehicle. The components were lifting bodies with a configuration similar to the US HL-10 vehicle. Bibliography:
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