Concept & Design

Independent Manned Multi-Purpose Spacecraft

..........At the very start of the project the basic layout of the craft was based on that of my racing team transport. A Bedford CF van with trailer. The cab to the front, The body of the van immediately behind. The RC system under the cab, and the Main Drive and Consumables Storage, where the trailer was.

..........Early versions of Broadsword saw the Airlock, Docking tunnel, and in the forward section, the Reaction Control System also resided inside the Cockpit module though under a sealed firewall. The result was a very complex and very large module. (Approx 10meters (35ft) in length.) The idea was at that time to offer the potential of 'Shirt Sleeve Environment' working conditions for 'In Space' maintenance. However this has a great many risks and difficulties.

.........'In Space' maintenance must always be the goal. A much simpler and easier option had to be found and was, by allowing for whole module containing the RCJ system to be introduced. This module could then be replaced for repair of service free from the craft in a special workshop based either on earth or in orbit, making the task a great deal safer, and more cost effective. Replacing the whole unit allows the craft to stay in service while the faulty part is being attended or being serviced.

..........Broadsword 4 saw the RCJ system under the Cockpit, in such a separate module ( The Power Sledge), untill Broadsword 5 finally created an Independent Module solely for the RCS with extended arms and splash guards. This module also removed the need for RSJ's to be required as part of the Main Drive Unit. This would greatly reduce the complexity and cost of manufacturing that unit. It also opened the possibility of the unit operating unmanned with the Main drive unit for 'Droid operations'.

Integrated Spaceflight System

.........A simple early description of the requirements of Broadsword was ' A bubble with an engine on it.' I believe the evolution of Broadsword from 1 through to 5 has taken me nearer to that target while opening other greater potential on the way.

PME Engineering: BROADSWORD 5

........As the name implies, (Broadsword 5) this current craft is in fact the 5th stage in evolution. Each version remaining faithful to the original concept but each newer version being simpler than its predecessor. Reducing maintenance times, and thus work load for operating companies and Astronauts, while expanding the potential for Multi-purpose capability.

........To understand the idea for Broadsword and to allow its multi-purpose capability to work at all, it is important to know that it is very reliant on a equally strong concept, a concept that has strong roots in the motor trade and has more recently be successfully used in the Computer industry. The Concept of which I speak is Modular Design, and for the purposes of this Broadsword it will be known as the...

Modular Spacecraft Design Concept (MSDC)

........MSDC was applied to Broadsword very early on. Broadsword 1 comprised of two sections, the current version of the craft is now primarily built up from four smaller sections, each independent section of the craft fulfilling a specific task with in the whole.....

........It is important to remember at this stage in the crafts development, that it is largely Concept but a concept that relies very little on invention. I estimate that almost 95% of Broadsword 5 is based on Technology of 30 years or less in age. Most of the key required components, the RCJ system, and Main Drive have been in production for at least that long, in programmes ranging from the Apollo through to the Space Shuttle. Manufacturing Companies in the US, Russia and Europe will have the required technology if not actual components for Broadsword sitting in Computers, on Drawing Boards, even in stores, right now. I would go as far as to speculate that a Broadsword 5 could be manufactured from scratch in less than 5 years.

.......That leaves 5% of untried technology. This can be separated into two key areas:

.......1. The Seals required joining the modules together.

.......2. The Connectors required to allow the fuel and other consumarbles to safely be transferred from the supply tanks to the craft and be similarly disconnected and then cleaned, in space.

Development work and investigations are required in these fields.

........The ability to separate each section also open an avenue in Broadswords development giving the craft limitless multi-purpose capability. The separation of the modules allow the use of special Modules designed and manufactured to the customers specific requirements. The Intersection could also be manufactured as standard unit to help keep the cost down for the customer.

.........Broadsword will almost certainly see the evolution of versions 6 7 even 8 before one finally frees it self of earths gravity, but I feel Broadsword 5 puts the case across.........

Paul M. Ellender

10/5/2003