Gentlefolk, Brainstorming.... Since the vehicle is unlikely to have shuttle-like cross range, it should be designed to fly from where it lands. I think a mobile service vehicle is a necessity.
Since by definition, the engine thrust support structure (TSS) must take something like 1.5 times the load of the fully fueled vehicle, the ground support structure could be something as simple as a robust single leg (or jack) that fits into a socket at the center of the TSS. The outboard gear would provide stability, while the central leg bears the weight until liftoff. A plausible turnaround operation might start with: 1) swap heat shields, 2) put the ground support leg in place 3) connect the mobile service vehicle. 4) ... With a mobile service vehcicle (MSV), fuel could come either from pipes in a permanent facility into the MSV or tanker trucks--it would make no difference to the vehicle. Additional mobile service vehicles could be made and driven to distant locations for much less than it would cost to procure special-purpose facillities. --Best, Gerald _______________________________________________ ERPS-list mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://lists.erps.org/mailman/listinfo/erps-list
