(BUFDRVR) wrote in message ...
This vehicle is clearly sub-orbital since it moves at only 1/3rd of orbital
velocity.

Which brings up the issue of overflight rights. Up to what altitude is
recognized as a country's soverign air space? Seems pointless to make an
aircraft that can be based in the US so as not to rely on unreliable "allies"
for basing rights if these same "allies" will still need to be consulted for
overflight.



While it is sub-orbital it also would also have the ability to change
direction during its endo-atmospheric 'skips'. This might require a
supplemental fuel burn.

So in some ways it may be politcally less contentious than a ballistic
or fully orbital system since it will be truely manoevrable.

It's value as a reconaisance platform must be significant as well.