Rutan gets patent for "winged spacecraft"

[docm]

<blockquote><font class="small">In reply to:</font><hr /><p>Full patent (and images) Go here here and enter 7,195,207 B2<br /><br />Abstract<br /><br />A rocket-powered spacecraft having a wing which has hinged aft portions which can be elevated about a hinge line. Tail booms extend rearwardly from the outer ends of the aft wing portions, and rudders are mounted at the aft ends of the booms. Each tail boom supports a horizontal tail with an elevon at its trailing edge. In normal flight, the wing aft portions are not elevated, and the wing has a normal airfoil shape. During atmosphere reentry, the wing aft portions are steeply elevated to provide a stable high-drag altitude for the spaceship for speed reduction at low thermal and structural loading. After reentry, the aft wing is returned to an unelevated position which enables gliding flight to a horizontal-runway landing. <br /> /><p><hr /></p></p></blockquote> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[Swampcat]

docm, there's a problem with your link...try hnum.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=7,195,207.PN.&OS=PN/7,195,207&RS=PN/7,195,207]here. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <font size="3" color="#ff9900"><p><font size="1" color="#993300"><strong><em>------------------------------------------------------------------- </em></strong></font></p><p><font size="1" color="#993300"><strong><em>"I hold it that a little rebellion now and then is a good thing, and as necessary in the political world as storms in the physical. Unsuccessful rebellions, indeed, generally establish the encroachments on the rights of the people which have produced them. An observation of this truth should render honest republican governors so mild in their punishment of rebellions as not to discourage them too much. It is a medicine necessary for the sound health of government."</em></strong></font></p><p><font size="1" color="#993300"><strong>Thomas Jefferson</strong></font></p></font> </div>

 

[docm]

Fixed in mine too. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>