Boeing X37 design a copy of HOTOL ??

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cubase

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After seeing images of the X-37 I could not help but think "That looks like HOTOL"<br />For anyone who does not know, HOTOL was British Aerospace's concept for a single-stage, horizontal take-off and landing (HOTOL) space transportation system.<br /><br />Take a look for yourself - <br />http://www.designation-systems.net/dusrm/app4/x-37.html<br /><br />http://www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/Launchpad/6133/hotol1.gif <br /><br />Oh and for reference, HOTOL was originally conceived around 1982.
 
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pmn1

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Presumably the X-37 is more stable that HOTOL was found to be in simulations. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>
 
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mlorrey

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HOTOL's big claim to fame was not its aerodynamic configuration. Its wing/stab/fuselage design is a repeat of much that gos back to early shuttle concepts.<br /><br />HOTOLs importance was in its engines which scavenged oxygen from the atmosphere and liquified it for burning in rocket-style engines. Compared to ideas like SCRAMJET, the HOTOL engines were mechanically complex to an extreme, which led to the projects cancellation, and while it was an important idea in keeping the concept of airbreathing SSTO launchers alive, it was not terribly unique, however it holds a following of fanatical fans, much as the Canadian Arrow interceptor, that is in excess of its engineering accomplishment.
 
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tomnackid

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The x-37 is more akin to Faget's "DC-3" or "straight-wing" orbiter concept of the 1960s.
 
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