The general objective of the FLPP is to prepare the technical elements as well as the programmatic ones to make an informed decision on the best operational launch vehicle system - beyond the AS_KV European assets - responding to the future institutional needs, while maintaining competitiveness on the commercial market at that time.

The reusable NGL system concepts and IXV experimental vehicle development have spurred technology activities related to structures used in harsh environment. A variety of reusable TPS concepts have been developed and verified in this programme, addressing the requirements of future hypersonic vehicles. Based on the European past heritage, mainly three families of "passive" TPS are generally considered to achieve the required goals of future operational L/D efficient Orbit-to-Earth reusable hypersonic vehicles, namely: metallic panels, rigid CMC shingles and flexible ceramic blankets.

Reusable launch vehicles require as well highly loaded structural components, exposed to medium to high heat fluxes.

FLPP background and features of the activity dedicated to TPS and Hot Structures are presented in this paper along with current results of these studies.