High altitude release sequence

The short endurance of the steam interceptor implies an innovative method to climb without wasting water or fuel in the boiler.
A simple, unmanned ascend stage in envisioned to climb and stay in interception ceiling until the action began.
At the proper moment, pilot pull the lever to release his fighter plane from the machine.
The unmanned elevator device goes down in autorotation, and the radio-altimeter automatically pull the collective pitch control in the last metres before the vertical landing. A radio-beacon starts emmitting to alert the recovery team.
After an overhaul and replenishment of his four high-pressure steam tanks, the device is ready to a new climbing mission.