What's interesting about Vipers is that apparently they can fly in atmosphere as well as space, which means they have to have control surfaces as well as thrusters, etc. Yeah, I'm totally not an AE, so I really, really shouldn't get into is, but its good to know I'm not alone in having strange urges to do study of stuff from sci-fi shows :)
It's the ability to fly in both space and atmosphere is what makes the Viper so interesting from a design perspective. An aerospace vehicle capable of both atmospheric and space flight with equal ease is a bit of a holy grail among AEs.
I ran out of aloe vera and tried getting some at the store but they're out as well and won't get any in until next Wednesday. So I'm stuck with just using ice or a damp cool rag for now when it bothers me.
Thanks for the link. I enjoyed reading the post quite a bit as it addressed a number of points I've wondered about myself (e.g. lack of control surfaces, COG problems, etc).
Most of the points are quite valid, though there are some sections that may have already have solutions with some of the recent advances in experimental materials and electronics/avionics. Overall though, the writer was correct that with current technology, a Viper is not a viable aerospace craft. Structurally speaking it's still an interesting design to analyze.
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How not to design a spacecraft
You would probably have a better idea of how valid the assertions are than I do. :0)
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Most of the points are quite valid, though there are some sections that may have already have solutions with some of the recent advances in experimental materials and electronics/avionics. Overall though, the writer was correct that with current technology, a Viper is not a viable aerospace craft. Structurally speaking it's still an interesting design to analyze.
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