Space Shuttle Piggy-Back Question

Murdoughnut

Murdoughnut

Well sized member
So I was looking at a picture of the space shuttle riding on top of its 747-200 transport, and it got me thinking... how much extra weight does the shuttle impose on the 747 given that it would produce it's own lift during flight, utilizing the 747's thrust? That is, I would think that (at least during cruise) the additional lift created by the shuttle's airfoil would offset the weight it imposes on the 747?

Just curious - any thoughts?
 
The shuttle is pretty much a brick. Those small airfoils really don't give it much in the way of lift, hence the ugly approach profile it flies.
 
BobDDuck said:
The shuttle is pretty much a brick. Those small airfoils really don't give it much in the way of lift, hence the ugly approach profile it flies.
Click to expand...


So....Could the shuttle take off like an airplane?
 
I was reading somewhere on the NASA site where it said the 747 carrying the shuttle from Calif. to FL has to refuel 3 times to make the trip.... so much for efficiency. But then again, it's the government so what do they care about the bill.
 
E6BAV8R said:
I was reading somewhere on the NASA site where it said the 747 carrying the shuttle from Calif. to FL has to refuel 3 times to make the trip.... so much for efficiency. But then again, it's the government so what do they care about the bill.
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Only approx 1000 nm range w/ the shuttle on top. Yikes.
 
Also, VFR the entire way.

There's a few very interesting podcasts about available on the 'Airspeed' podcast, an interview with the crew chief and chief pilot.

Do a search for it on iTunes.
 
E6BAV8R said:
I was reading somewhere on the NASA site where it said the 747 carrying the shuttle from Calif. to FL has to refuel 3 times to make the trip.... so much for efficiency. But then again, it's the government so what do they care about the bill.
Click to expand...
That's why they really try to land at Cape Kennedy. If it was less expensive they could almost guarantee good wx at Edwards.
 
They made a stop here in Omaha at the Offutt AFB for fuel. They are close proximity to our commercial airport so lots of people were talking about seeing it on approach. Dangit, I was off work when it came through, but I bet that is a pretty cool sight indeed!!
 
JEP said:
So....Could the shuttle take off like an airplane?
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Takeoff, no, its a glider without the external fuel tank.

However, there was a shuttle 'Enterprise' that was used for aerodynamic testing:
[YT]4d0d3BFTf3o[/YT]​
 
Minuteman said:
Takeoff, no, its a glider without the external fuel tank.

However, there was a shuttle 'Enterprise' that was used for aerodynamic testing:
[yt]4d0d3BFTf3o[/yt]​
Click to expand...

You know, I actually remember watching this live on TV. It was a pretty big deal at the time.
 
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