A patent has been registered in Russia for an unusual rocket launch scheme — an electric helicopter as the first stage. The development involves lifting the second stage with a payload to a height of 15 to 90 km before starting the rocket engine.
The author of the patent is Dmitry Kharitonov. The architecture he proposed should reduce fuel consumption and simplify launch operations. The design consists of a tubular fuselage inside which the rocket is placed. At the top there are two counter-rotating electric motors with main rotors.
Power is supplied by batteries or fuel cells. Due to the opposite rotation of the rotors, the aircraft steadily gains altitude, and descent is possible in helicopter or autorotation mode. The stabilization system includes controlled stabilizers or additional propellers.
The patent allows for a combined mode — first lifting on electric traction, then joint operation with a rocket engine. According to the author, the scheme expands the possibilities for launching small vehicles and makes the flight more manageable at an early stage.