|
This series of images shows a large
conceptual slingatron mounted on a base structure so that it can
be tilted to launch large L/D hypervelocity projectiles at various
elevation angles. The HV Sling can also be rotated
on its base so that projectiles can be launched in any
direction as well as elevation angle. For this example we
chose the outer diameter of the toroidal container to be
about 40 meters so that the machine would be capable
of launching 100 kg projectiles at > 6 km/sec. For
a swing speed of 400 meters/sec, the projectile velocity gained
per turn would then be about 2 km/sec/turn so that 3 spiral
turns mounted on their distributed swing arms would suffice
to reach the desired 6 km/sec. The gyrating structure
comprising the spiral tube and its swing arms would
also orbit in rarefied air or a low atomic weight
gas (such as Helium) contained in the toroidal chamber to
minimize drag on the gyrating sling tube and swing
arms. Projectiles with very large (length/diameter) ratio
would be used for penetration through the atmosphere into space.
These projectiles are described in L/D Projectile section and accelerate
in a flexible condition so that they conform to the
curved slingatron tube during acceleration, but lock into a
rigid straight condition upon exit from the launcher. They
also slide on a gas bearing film for low friction while inside
the slingatron mass accelerator.
|
