From: mackermNOSPAM@mailpuppy.com   
      
   Carsten Nielsen wrote:   
   >   
   > In another thread:   
   >   
   > SSTO propulsion overview   
   >   
   > Gordon D. Pusch wrote   
   >   
   > >[Rutan's White Knight] is basically a big high aspect-ratio   
   > >sailplane-like design with a couple of jet engines --- essentially a   
   > >civilian re-invention of the U2 spyplane. It's top speed is at most   
   > >a few hundred knots!   
   >   
   > That makes me think: The civilian astronomers must have wanted an U2   
   > plane with upward looking cameras, for work you can't do on the   
   > ground, like IR and similar work.   
      
   I did a bit of reading on high altitude planes.  The "Perseus B" is   
   driven by a propeller with a triple-turbocharged piston engine.   
      
   Mike Ackerman   
      
   --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05   
    * Origin: you cannot sedate... all the things you hate (1:229/2)