Yet another departure from my normal work, this time an experiment in aerodynamic shapes: the Ku-197 "Samoyed" SSTO (Single Stage to Orbit). I first conceptualized this idea after hearing about the Ion Wing experiments done by hobbyists at small scales. The basic concept is that of a standard ion engine using a thin cathode and anode to create a flow of particles to produce thrust, but flattened and shaped over the wing of an aircraft.
The initial concept of the spaceplane involves a hybrid approach, where the ascent stage is powered by the Ion Wing engines, while the ascent to space would be covered by the nuclear aerospike engine in the rear, whose reactor would also power the Ion Wings. Unfortunately, however, the power and heat management requirements to power an Ion Wing of sufficient power to loft such a spaceplane would far exceed that produced by a typical bimodal NTR-type engine, not to mention that the spaceplane has no visible radiators with which to get rid of the insane heat produced by the oversized reactor.
In any case, I decided to split the Ku-197 into two separate concepts, the "A" variant, and the "B" variant. The "A" variant, pictured here, would use a hybrid nuclear thermal aerospike, which would use intake air as propellant in the initial stages of ascent, possibly aided by a magnetic launch rail depending on the circumstances, and then transition to an internal fuel supply to perform an orbital injection. The "B" variant would look somewhat similar, but instead of an internal reactor, it would use beamed microwave power to supplant the thermal energy produced by the reactor. It would likely have a similar flight profile, but would have a few differences from the "A" variant.
The "A" variant would be able to operate in more situations with less infrastructure because of its internal heat source, but due to the weight of the reactor and radiation shield would have drastically reduced payload capacity. In contrast, the "B" variant would have more payload capacity, owing to its lack of radiation shield and reactor, but would require much more infrastructure to support it, as it would be incapable of flight without a beamed power station. It is likely that in a far-future scenario, the two variants would coexist, yet would likely function in different locations depending on the level of local infrastructure.
The spaceplane itself is heavily inspired by the conceptual MiG-2000, made for the Russian VKS project, which was intended to produce a capable SSTO spaceplane for Roscosmos.
And what of the retconned ion exhaust? I figure that it's just an exercise in artistic license.
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