Article

2018-03-08 Science & Technology

World's largest plane with 2 cockpits, 28 wheels and 6 jet engines could launch astronauts into space on a Shuttle-sized rocket

Archived material is restricted to Rantburg regulars and members. If you need access email fred.pruitt=at=gmail.com with your nick to be added to the members list. There is no charge to join Rantburg as a member.

Posted by Skidmark 2018-03-08 00:00|| || Front Page|| [8 views ] Top

#1 I had a model something like that back in the 50-60s.

Posted by Procopius2k 2018-03-08 07:48|| 2018-03-08 07:48|| Front Page Top

#2 "The left-hand fuselage has what looks like a cockpit with windows to onlookers, but the section is in fact empty and unpressurised."

So, what's with the windows? I wonder what Ben Rich and "Kelly" Johnson would have to say about the necessity of visual symmetry. Unless.....

Posted by Vast Right Wing Conspiracy 2018-03-08 08:16|| 2018-03-08 08:16|| Front Page Top

#3 Shuttle-sized? Space Shuttle-sized? Perhaps you could take that up with this super-plane but why would you? The shuttle was extra large because of idiot thinking that it would be cheap and could replace heavy launch vehicles. It's cheaper and safer to send up payloads desperately so you can shrink your shuttle down significantly.

Posted by rjschwarz 2018-03-08 10:20|| 2018-03-08 10:20|| Front Page Top

#4 Updated version of the Spruce Goose?

Posted by JohnQC 2018-03-08 10:33|| 2018-03-08 10:33|| Front Page Top

#5 16 photos link

Posted by Bobby 2018-03-08 11:14|| 2018-03-08 11:14|| Front Page Top

#6 I predict structural failure.

Posted by Herb Peacock6456 2018-03-08 11:58|| 2018-03-08 11:58|| Front Page Top

#7 I predict structural failure. Posted by Herb Peacock

That could be catastrophic Herb.

Posted by Besoeker 2018-03-08 12:00|| 2018-03-08 12:00|| Front Page Top

#8 Re #2: Found it!:

Posted by Vast Right Wing Conspiracy 2018-03-08 12:52|| 2018-03-08 12:52|| Front Page Top

#9 They should just build a launch rail up the side of a mountain range to get the thing up to speed without using its own power-fuel and would have fewer points of failure.

Posted by rjschwarz 2018-03-08 12:56|| 2018-03-08 12:56|| Front Page Top

#10 re#2: Suspect the visual symmetry. It would balance out the airloads if nothing else.

Kelly once said something about an airplane that looks fast usually is.

Of course Leroy Grumman said, an airplane that looks ugly is usually an A-6....

Posted by USN, Ret. 2018-03-08 18:19|| 2018-03-08 18:19|| Front Page Top

#11 Fuselage symmetry - sure.
Windows - not so much.

Posted by Anomalous Sources 2018-03-08 18:31|| 2018-03-08 18:31|| Front Page Top

23:11 rammer
22:38 Zenobia Floger6220
22:04 European Conservative
22:01 Blackbeard Bumble5724
21:59 European Conservative
21:52 European Conservative
21:34 Herb Platypus5804
21:11 Jack Salami
21:05 swksvolFF
20:47 swksvolFF
20:17 Anguper Angearong6845
19:47 Bright Pebbles
19:28 Besoeker
19:19 SteveS
19:14 European Conservative
18:51 DarthVader
18:51 DonM
18:34 Besoeker
18:31 Anomalous Sources
18:29 Anomalous Sources
18:27 Regular joe
18:25 JohnQC
18:19 USN, Ret.
18:13 USN, Ret.