[general_re]

A key advantage of a space plane, the writers said, is its weapons could enter the atmosphere over a target, so there would be no need to seek overflight permission from other countries.

Okay, somebody help me out with this. A true space plane would be one that leaves the atmosphere, which means that there are no aerodynamics to keep it up there. So in order to stay up, it's essentially going to be assuming a low-earth orbit. But in order to maintain a stable orbit, it's going to have to be moving along at a serious rate of speed, which means that anything it releases to drop down to earth is probably going to have a hell of a long glide path before reaching the ground. So how can you possibly guarantee that a bomb will "enter the atmosphere over a target"? Strap an engine on it and bring it to a dead stop, so you can drop it straight down?

[GladesGuru]

Before the Un types, lawyers, and assorted socialist scums can bring a case, there must be hard evidence that such a territorial "invasion" took place. Due to national security, we certainly will not be producing any such evidence for such a "trial".

The second or third world plaintiff will have to bear the burden of proving their case. Poor Dears.

[JSteff]

add

[Phsstpok]

So how can you possibly guarantee that a bomb will "enter the atmosphere over a target"?

that's what the little Intel products are for. You give the things just enough guidance and brains to get it to the target you have in mind. Doesn't have to be much. You can get these things to come down in the general area with high school physics and a calculator out of a cracker jacks box. Use the terminal guidance stuff from a JDAM or something similar and your done... or they're done, depending on how you want to phrase it.

[Ku Commando]

"Okay, somebody help me out with this....."

As a long-time repairer of many things electronic, mechanical, hydraulic, & pneumatical....I feel qualified to say that whenever an Engineer designs and builds something: It all works on paper !!

[Imal]

So how can you possibly guarantee that a bomb will "enter the atmosphere over a target"? Strap an engine on it and bring it to a dead stop, so you can drop it straight down?

Dive bomber. *8^)