1764. Shuttle II: Subsystem Weights Program Development

Paper

Abstract

A program has been developed for relatively quick evaluation of the weight of future Shuttle transportation systems. Simple weight estimating relationships have been used throughout in order to minimize the time required for the program inputs. For each subsystem, a number of choices are available for constants to be used in the weight estimating equations. The various constant values reflect different materials, subsystem design approaches, and levels of technology. The program requires inputs from a trajectory program in the form of propellant loading as a fraction of gross weight. Vehicle geometry is also required. Although the program is structured primarily for winged rocket vehicles, it can also be used to determine weights of orbital transfer vehicles.