Propulsion System Design for the Peregrine Launch System

Abstract

Andrews has developed the Peregrine Launch System (PLS), a horizontal takeoff horizontal landing (HTHL) vehicle capable of providing high levels of operational flexibility. The PLS is currently being considered for full-scale demonstration as part of the DARPA / Air Force FALCON program due to its unique capability to meet force projection and responsive spacelift mission needs. The PLS will provide a dramatic leap in the nation's ability to safely and reliably respond to perceived threat situations while prohibiting other threats via unparalleled force projection capabilities. To accomplish this, the PLS maximizes the use of mature technologies to minimize development risk and overall system complexity effectively reducing maintenance operations and turn around time. Historically, maintenance intense technologies such as thermal protection systems have been minimized by tailoring the flight profile for optimized responsiveness and operability. This focus on responsiveness has resulted in a system uniquely qualified to meet not only the near term needs of the nation but also the emerging commercial market.