STSprog_v_c_o_AKP (S-69-4050)
A McDonnell Douglas Corporation/Max Faget "DC-3" Phase-A orbiter is depicted taxiing on a conventional runway in this 1969 artist's concept. In this variant, the air-breathing engines used for landing appear to be incorporated into the nose of the vehicle. Also, maybe it's the perspective; however, the rear landing gear appears to be a single set, inline with the front gear...that can't be, I wouldn't think, but it even seems to be confirmed by the shadow.
Although obviously a commercial airport, the latticework structure to the right, on the horizon, looks a lot like a launchpad gantry.
See/read also...awesome:
www.secretprojects.co.uk/threads/mdc-shuttle-proposal-pha...
Credit: user "Skybolt"/SECRET PROJECTS Forum website
Also:
www.aerospaceprojectsreview.com/blog/?p=1254
www.aerospaceprojectsreview.com/blog/?p=4442
Both above credit: Aerospace Projects Review website
Based on other NASA-sponsored depictions of the time, possibly by Raymond Bruneau? Maybe even Jerry Elmore?
STSprog_v_c_o_AKP (S-69-4050)
A McDonnell Douglas Corporation/Max Faget "DC-3" Phase-A orbiter is depicted taxiing on a conventional runway in this 1969 artist's concept. In this variant, the air-breathing engines used for landing appear to be incorporated into the nose of the vehicle. Also, maybe it's the perspective; however, the rear landing gear appears to be a single set, inline with the front gear...that can't be, I wouldn't think, but it even seems to be confirmed by the shadow.
Although obviously a commercial airport, the latticework structure to the right, on the horizon, looks a lot like a launchpad gantry.
See/read also...awesome:
www.secretprojects.co.uk/threads/mdc-shuttle-proposal-pha...
Credit: user "Skybolt"/SECRET PROJECTS Forum website
Also:
www.aerospaceprojectsreview.com/blog/?p=1254
www.aerospaceprojectsreview.com/blog/?p=4442
Both above credit: Aerospace Projects Review website
Based on other NASA-sponsored depictions of the time, possibly by Raymond Bruneau? Maybe even Jerry Elmore?