How to launch a rocket assisted spaceplane.

[DunaManiac]

A few people, beginners in space planes (sort of like me. I've only launched and landed a spaceplane was with boosters attached) have been asking this question: How do I launch a plane on top of a rocket? The trick is: don't do it. The easiest solution to this is: (there are many other ways, like adding fairings, putting giant fins etc.) to built out rather than up. The functional spaceplane that i built that follows this design is the lightning albatross (large wings, handles reentry very well) has boosters attached to the side.

The this way looks sort of like the space shuttle, except with boosters attached to both sides of the fuel tanks for stabillity. Happy thanksgiving!

 

Edited November 22, 2017 by DunaManiac

[Laie]

Wellll.... the proper answer is: if you have wings on top, you need even more wings on the bottom.

Also, make a steeper ascent than you usually would. By the time you drop the first stage with it's huge tailfins, you want to be out of the worst atmo.

Given how every bit of wing on top will require much more wing on the booster, you may want to pay close attention to just how much wing your spaceplane really needs.