Dehede011@aol.com wrote:
>
> In a message dated 5/1/00 12:51:36 PM Pacific Daylight Time,
> mike@datamann.com writes:
>
> << So essentially they are utilizing some lifting body aerodynamics (and
> apparently
> they've got the wind tunnel work to prove it) to provide the majority of the
> lift in forward flight, and the rear wing is there merely to take some or
> all of
> the load off of the rear engines so they can produce more forward thrust...
> >>
>
> Mike, in the back of my mind I seem to recall that the "rear wing" becomes
> important to lift in the power off or emergency condition. Does that make
> any sense or no?
> Ron H.
In power off/emergency conditions, there is not one, but TWO rocket
deployed parachutes to bring the vehicle safely to earth that have a
decent glide ratio and are quite maneuverable. There is additionally a
very useful collision avoidance system that automatically takes control
to maneuver away from imminent collisions.
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