Scramjets !!!! It works

On Mon, 22 Nov 2004 22:15:23 -0000, ANTIcarrot
wrote:
> It might be worth noting that the orrigonal HOTOL design used a rocket
> trolly for launch, because making the landing gear large enough for take off
> killed the cargo capacity. I think this was a function of the unusual intake
> more than anything else, as Skylon doesn't have this probem - but it still
> shows how ground problems can make or break a project.

No, they've just done a tonne of work on it:

a) make the brakes smaller by using water/steam cooling rather than
air cooling (jettison water after successful takeoff- water is only
needed if you change your mind during takeoff)
b) use high pressure tyres
c) use a reinforced runway

> John

--
-Ian Woollard

"In theory there is no difference between theory and practice, but in
practice there is."
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