[Barry Goldwater]

That airforce bomber, I think it's the B-2, may be a good test platform. Just add some pontoons to the flying wing airframe, change a few control laws in the computer and give it a shot. Back when Carter was president they put some JATO bottles on backwards on the wings of a C-130 to give it short landing capabilities. The films of the test were interesting, reminds me of the films of early aviation innovation.

[poindexter]

"The films of the test were interesting, reminds me of the films of early aviation innovation."

Maybe they could modify the wings to flap. Talk about short-field capability! ;-)

[kezekiel]

Back when Carter was president they put some JATO bottles on backwards on the wings of a C-130 to give it short landing capabilities.

I've seen that in action at the El Toro air show, but a Marine C-130 pilot told me that those things put too much stress on the airframe for regular use.