How much can we justify spending?

[Green_Elite_Cab]

Eh, even airplanes don't necessarily need wings. The "fins" on the X24A only help the plane steer (I'm sure thrusters would do the same thing in space). The unique shape of the body actually creates lift, allowing it to fly. For a time, Lockheed Martin had a plan for a replacement space shuttle using this style of aircraft. It definitely has advantages in terms of internal volume.

Then, of course, is the plane that doesn't need a body and is all wings:

The YB49 is one of my all time favorite airplanes (I've always been a fan of the flying wing ever since a B2 buzzed my house as a 7 year old. I thought it was a space ship!). I actually have a reproduction of the flight manual for that plane. Its surprisingly funny. For the chapter on taxiing, it has an illustration with the caption "Turn the airplane slowly". The picture depicts a YB49 being turned way to quickly to watch a woman walk by. There is a shocking amount of that for a flight manual.

Interestingly, Boeing combined both the flying wing and the Lifting Body into a "Blended Wing Body" plane. They have a miniature mock-up that's making flights, but I'd love to see it become a full sized reality. In theory, it would have a greater internal volume than most aircraft, while being a more efficient design.


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