Zero length launch

Zero length launch

The zero length launch system or zero length take-off system (ZLL, ZLTO, ZEL, ZELL) was a system whereby jet fighters and attack aircraft were intended to be placed upon rockets attached to mobile launch platforms. Most zero length launch experiments took place in the 1950s, during the Cold War.

The primary advantage of a zero length launch system is the elimination of the need for a vulnerable airfield for takeoffs. In the event of a sudden attack, air forces could field credible air defenses and launch airstrikes even with their own airbases destroyed. Although launching aircraft using rocket boosters proved to be relatively trouble-free, zero length launch systems still required a conventional runway if the aircraft was expected to land. Bulky mobile launching platforms also proved to be expensive to operate and difficult to transport. Security would also have been an issue with mobile launchers, especially if equipped with nuclear-armed strike fighters.

The United States Air Force, Luftwaffe, and Soviet Air Force all conducted experiments in zero length launching. All works upon ZLL aircraft were abandoned due to logistical concerns and the increasing efficiency of guided missiles.

Manned Aircraft Involved in ZLL Testing
* Republic F-84G Thunderjet
* North American F-100D Super Sabre
* Lockheed F-104 Starfighter
* Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-19 "Farmer"
* North American XF-108 Rapier - (aircraft program cancelled)

The desire to field combat aircraft without depending on vulnerable landing strips also motivated development of aircraft capable of vertical (VTOL) or short (STOL) takeoffs or landings. Examples of these include the Hawker Siddeley Harrier and the McDonnel Douglas F-15S/MTD.

External links

*cite web
title=The Zero-Length Launch Fighter
url=http://www.vectorsite.net/avzel.html
publisher=Greg Goebel's AIR VECTORS
*cite web
title=Martin Matador and Mace missiles
url=http://www.mace-b.com/38TMW/Missiles/History.htm
publisher=38th Tactical Missile Wing, tribute site
*cite web
title=Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Launch Complex 21
url=http://community.livejournal.com/abandonedplaces/1344348.html?#cutid1
date=2 June 2008 Recent photos (out of use, but well preserved) of the hard-site test buildings for Mace


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