Space Shuttle launch question?

[bigdad84]

When the shuttle launched and immediately went into the roll program, did it use the flaps and elevators to help it turn, or did it strictly use the gimbal of the rocket engines?

[brooklyn666]

All attitude and steering control during ascent was with the SSMEs and SRBs. The flight control surfaces were only used during reentry and landing.

[rdfox]

What's more, not only were the aerodynamic surfaces locked into a neutral position until they were activated during re-entry, the SSMEs were locked into a default "neutral" position aimed at the approximate vehicle CG from ignition up until SRB jettison; until SRB burnout, control was entirely by thrust vectoring of the SRBs. (This apparently reduced structural loadings, and since the SRBs provided sufficient control authority, there was no reason to expose the Orbiter to additional stresses.)

[Sillychris]

I learned something today.

[bigdad84]

I learned something today.

You learn something everyday, believe it or not.