DocM Posted May 22, 2015 Author Share Posted May 22, 2015 And we may well see DragonFly propulsive landings this year. First 2 tests of a parachute landing with propulsive assist at touchdown, then as below. Summary of the DragonFly test program from the FAA environmental report, (XX): number of test flights AGL: above ground level Flight Profile: refers to the take?off (or drop), flight, and landing of the launch vehicle. The flight profile for each operation type is discussed below. Propulsive Assist (2 tests) For the propulsive assist test, a helicopter (an Erickson E-model or equivalent) would arrive at the McGregor test site from Waco Regional Airport. The DragonFly RLV would then be tethered to the helicopter using a cable. A maximum of 300 gallons of propellant would be loaded into the DragonFly RLV for this test. The helicopter would take off with the DragonFly RLV attached and reach an altitude up to 10,000 ft. Once at that altitude, the DragonFly RLV would be released from the tether and three main parachutes would be deployed. The engines would not fire until the vehicle descends to approximately 98 ft above ground level (AGL). The engines would fire for approximately 5 seconds, and the RLV would make a powered landing. This type of operation would last approximately 30 minutes from helicopter take-off to DragonFly RLV landing. The test would be designed so that almost all fuel on board is used prior to landing. All fuel valves would shut automatically and retain any residual fuel in the capsule. Full Propulsive (2 tests) Landing For the full propulsive landing test, a helicopter (an Erickson E?model or equivalent) would arrive at the McGregor test site from Waco Regional Airport. The DragonFly RLV would then be tethered to the helicopter. A maximum of 300 gallons of propellant would be loaded into the DragonFly RLV for this test. The helicopter would take off with the DragonFly RLV attached and reach an altitude up to 10,000 ft. Once at that altitude, the DragonFly RLV would be released from the tether. There would be a period of free fall and then the engines would fire for approximately 5 seconds and the RLV would make a powered landing. This type of operation would last approximately 30 minutes from helicopter take?off to DragonFly RLV landing. Propulsive Assist Hopping (8 tests) Approximately 400 gallons of propellant would be loaded into the DragonFly RLV for this test. During a propulsive assisted hop test, the DragonFly RLV would launch from a launch pad and ascend to approximately 7,000 ft AGL (firing engines for 12.5 seconds). Two parachutes would be deployed for the descent, the engines would fire for 12.5 seconds, and the RLV would make a powered landing on the launch pad. This operation would last approximately 60 seconds. Full Propulsive Hopping (18 tests) Approximately 400 gallons of propellant would be loaded into the DragonFly RLV for this test. During a full propulsive hop test, the DragonFly would launch from a launch pad and ascend to approximately 7.000 feet AGL (firing engines for approximately 12.5 seconds). The engines would then throttle down in order to descend (firing engines for an additional 12.5 seconds), and the RLV will make a powered landing on the launch pad. This operation would last approximately 60 seconds. Unobscured Vision 1 Share Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Draggendrop Veteran Posted May 23, 2015 Veteran Share Posted May 23, 2015 Very comprehensive test regime...nice to see them get this over with...I had read the "wiki' on it, but as you know, many errors in their entries. Your post explains it a lot better...Thanx... Wiki... https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DragonFly_(rocket) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IsItPluggedIn Posted May 23, 2015 Share Posted May 23, 2015 This will be very interesting if the engines fail "Full Propulsive (2 tests)" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DocM Posted May 23, 2015 Author Share Posted May 23, 2015 Dragon 2 has engine out capability, meaning like Falcon 9 it can lose engines (which are surrounded by armor to prevent fratricide) and still fly. Musk has said it can fly with as few as 4 of its 8 engines. The controls, plumbing and valves also have built-in redundancy. The propellants are also hypergolic, meaning they ignite on contact and need no ignition system. The propellants also don't need pumps as they are pressure fed by redundant high pressure gas tanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Draggendrop Veteran Posted May 23, 2015 Veteran Share Posted May 23, 2015 I have a lot of confidence in their design and testing. They would not do the "official testing" if they had doubts...Cheers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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