I asked this of the Stratolaunch people several years ago. They said there's an advantage to simply lifting the vehicle that high, it's already starting with more potential energy than it would at sea level. However, it hasn't seem to have made them competitive...
> there's an advantage to simply lifting the vehicle that high, it's already starting with more potential energy than it would at sea level
This implies dropping to presumably start a scramjet? Otherwise, all you're getting is a bit of altitude and softer max Q.
The surprise advantage of air-launched vehicles is you can launch from any airfield. The surprise disadvantage is you need strength two directions; vertically, when it's thrusting, and horizontally, when it's hung underwing.
inamberclad|2 years ago
JumpCrisscross|2 years ago
This implies dropping to presumably start a scramjet? Otherwise, all you're getting is a bit of altitude and softer max Q.
The surprise advantage of air-launched vehicles is you can launch from any airfield. The surprise disadvantage is you need strength two directions; vertically, when it's thrusting, and horizontally, when it's hung underwing.
powderpig|2 years ago