The Ravn X from Aevum is “the world’s largest unmanned aerial system (UAS) by weight”. Its purpose is to send small-sized satellites into space, which it can do with very few resources. And it does not require as long preparation as launch rockets.
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The Ravn X is 24 meters long, 5.5 meters high and has a wingspan of 18.3 meters. Its total take-off weight is 24,950 kg. Its design does not differ much from that of standard autonomous flying vehicles. It is a high-winged tails, powered by two turbofan engines. Its maximum speed is 925 km / h and it can reach a height of 18,288 meters.
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The entire system consists of three stages. The first is the autonomous plane described above. The second and third stages are rockets mounted in a partially recessed position under the fuselage, whose task is to reach the orbit of the planet. All three Ravn X stages are powered by standard Jet-A fuel used by passenger airliners.
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“We will now begin to perform the vehicle level testing required for airworthiness certification and licensing,” said Aevum CEO Jay Skylus.
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Even before Aevum presented the prototype of the Ravn X, it had already received the first contracts from the US government for a total amount of $ 1 billion. The first mission is especially important. ASLON-45 is a contract signed with the United States Space Forces, a recently created type of US military.
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A key feature of the Ravn X is its short flight preparation time. It’s only 3 hours. After completing the mission, the plane returns to the ground and can be prepared for the next mission. Another is security. Unlike Virgin Galactic’s design, the Ravn X system operates through the air without a pilot.
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This in turn increases security but allows for greater risk. Second stage rocket engines start only half a second after separation, minimizing energy loss. However, there may be a situation in which the drive fails to start, resulting in an explosion. In the case of a manned flight, it would be impossible due to the threat to human life.
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