Analysis of Keener Airborne Transport Vehicle by Holden Constantino

Previous commentary by Isaac Sinton-Remes proposed, and ultimately rejected, a Keenerpult capable of launching a 75kg mass approximately 250m. This paper reevaluates that task and proposes a solution. The Keenerpult model ignored air resistance. Though this eases the calculations required for a trebuchet as proposed by Isaac, it fails to consider the benefits of a gliding vehicle. Even a vehicle with a 1.5:1 glide ratio, with initial altitude of 25m, and initial distance of 50m (to account for launch; which will be explained later) can glide 37.5m on descent, compared to <= 25m on a typical ballistic trajectory. Therefore, a glide vehicle alleviates some of the problems with a trebuchet. The KATV program operates on a tight budget, so the design of the glide vehicle is simple. We may simply take a half-slice (being reasonably light and aerodynamic), add a pair of fixed wings for lift, with elevons and rudder on the rear. One notes that roll is controlled entirely by the tailplane. A canopy is to be erected over the cockpit. The pilot will not therefore need a PFD, skirt, or helmet. If the pilot is 60kg, the boat is 20kg, and the modifications are 30kg, this comes to 110kg. Self-propulsion is discussed later, but even then this glider is not able to take off unassisted. A jet sled seems most practical. The Keener bus can be dismantled (if it has not already been unintentionally), the engine removed to the rear, and connected to a large fan. The cabin will be removed entirely, and the remaining chassis can be placed on rails. A hollow drum, terminating in a frustum or cone, can be placed behind the propeller. The kayak is mounted forwards of the engine for launch. During launch, the engine is started and spun up. Once reaching full power, the drum of kerosene fuel conveniently placed above the engine is vented into the cylinder by the propellor and ignited. This creates a primitive jet engine. After this engine reaches full power, the cart is released up the inclined track and the kayak released. If the cart at release weighs 1500kg, burns through 150kg of fuel, and accelerates exhaust at 1000m/s, the cart can accelerate up to 140 m/s or so. 100m/s seems a likely target, considering drag and friction. This mechanism could probably launch the kayak, but it would not get far. The final element of this system is to attach a motor and propeller to the stern of the kayak. This is to be used to allow the kayak to maintain flight and climb. After consideration of a KATV system, this is found to be practicable. I propose the immediate construction of this system.