Difference between revisions of "Spaceplane"

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A [[Spaceplane]] is an [[Interfacecraft]], a craft designed to operate well in both an [[atmosphere]] and in the [[vacuum]].
 
A [[Spaceplane]] is an [[Interfacecraft]], a craft designed to operate well in both an [[atmosphere]] and in the [[vacuum]].
 
* It is a kind of [[vehicle]] that is both an [[aircraft]] and [[spacecraft]] rolled into one.
 
* It is a kind of [[vehicle]] that is both an [[aircraft]] and [[spacecraft]] rolled into one.
 +
* Many [[smallcraft]] perform the same function, but are very differently built.
 +
* Advanced [[Gravcraft]] eventually supplant and replace the spaceplane.
 
* It is a type of flying [[vehicle]].
 
* It is a type of flying [[vehicle]].
−
+
 
 
== Description ([[Specifications]]) ==
 
== Description ([[Specifications]]) ==
−
An [[Interfacecraft]] is a kind of [[vehicle]] or technological device, intended to convey [[sophont]]s from one location to another.
+
An [[Interfacecraft]] is a kind of [[vehicle]] or technological device, intended to convey [[sophont]]s from one location to another. Spaceplanes have [[Lifting Body Hull]]s or airfoil surfaces such as wings, giving them [[Atmosphere|atmospheric]] performance beyond that provided by simple thrust or any onboard [[Gravity Control Technology|gravitic]] systems.
 
* It conveys its [[passenger]]s and [[cargo]] between the mediums of a planetary [[atmosphere]] and the [[vacuum]] of near orbit.
 
* It conveys its [[passenger]]s and [[cargo]] between the mediums of a planetary [[atmosphere]] and the [[vacuum]] of near orbit.
 +
* In combat roles, they are designed to follow targets inside or outside of an [[atmosphere]]. 
  
−
=== Image Repository ===
+
===Examples of [[Spaceplane]]s===
−
A selection of spaceplanes from Charted and Uncharted Space:
+
{{Vehicle summary list|Spaceplane}}
−
# A [[Colossus class Heavy Lander]] spaceplane. <br> [[File: J0 1200dT Heavy Lander.jpg|400px]]
 
−
# A [[Fearless class Assault Transport]] spaceplane. <br> [[File: J0 300dT Assault Transport.jpg|400px]]
 
−
# A [[Omicron class Heavy Lander]] spaceplane. <br> [[File: J0 400dT Interface Lander.jpg|400px]]
 
−
 
 
−
=== Selected Spaceplanes ===
 
−
Some more noted spaceplanes used throughout [[Charted Space]] include:<br>
 
−
''Spaceplanes:''
 
−
# [[Colossus class Heavy Lander]]
 
−
# [[Daytona class Orbital Fighter/Interceptor]]
 
−
# [[Fearless class Assault Transport]]
 
−
# [[Melbourne class Hypersonic Suborbital Liner]]
 
−
# [[Omicron class Heavy Lander]]
 
−
# [[Reno class Hypersonic Fighter/Interceptor]]
 
  
 
== History & Background ([[Dossier]]) ==
 
== History & Background ([[Dossier]]) ==
 
Many [[technologist]]s do not consider ''spaceplanes'' viable until the [[TL:7-9]] [[technological epoch]], and even then it can be dicey. Other technologists claim that prototype spaceplanes may be possible within the [[TL:4-6]] [[tech epoch]].
 
Many [[technologist]]s do not consider ''spaceplanes'' viable until the [[TL:7-9]] [[technological epoch]], and even then it can be dicey. Other technologists claim that prototype spaceplanes may be possible within the [[TL:4-6]] [[tech epoch]].
  
−
=== Expected Technological Progression of Spaceplanes ===
+
=== Expected Technological Progression of Spaceplane Development ===
−
* [[Rocket]] → [[Aircraft]] → [[Shuttle]] → [[Spaceplane]] → [[G-Carrier]] → Advanced G-Carrier
+
* [[Rocket]] → [[Aircraft]] → [[Shuttle]] → [[Spaceplane]] → [[G-Carrier]] → Advanced G-Carrier → [[Interstellar Spacecraft]] → [[Starcraft]]
  
 
=== Technological Overview of Spaceplanes ===
 
=== Technological Overview of Spaceplanes ===
−
'''[[TL:4-6]]:''' <br>
+
A variety of ''spaceplane''s with gradually increasing technological capabilities are expected to become available through the first two [[tech period]]s of a [[sophont]] [[society]].
−
While rockets are generally possible within this tech epoch, ''Spaceplanes'' are generally too dangerous and reliable at this stage.
 
−
 
 
−
'''[[TL:7-9]]:''' <br>
 
−
Most [[sophont]] [[societies]] first reach [[space]] using multiple stage [[rocket]]s and the idea of SSTO (''Single Stage to Orbit'' or a ''Spaceplane'') spaceflight remains an elusive goal for many [[TL:7-9]] [[sophont]] [[societies]]. Early prototype [[gravcraft]] simply lack the performance to achieve orbital breakout on all but the smallest of [[planet]]s. And the efficiencies of transatmospheric flight using multiple stage launches is hard to beat with period engineering.
 
  
−
----  
+
==== Foundational Period ====
−
'''[[TL:10-12]]:''' <br>
+
{| class="wikitable sortable"
−
By the [[TL:10-12]] [[tech epoch]], gravitics enables and complicates the spaceplane's construction. It also blurs the pictures as [[air/raft]]s and [[G-carrier]]s can achieve the same thing (air-space performance) although often with lesser performance envelopes.
+
|-  
 +
!colspan="2"| [[Foundational Period]]: [[TL:1-9]]
 +
|-
 +
! [[Tech Epoch]]
 +
! Remarks
 +
|-
 +
| [[TL:1-3]]
 +
| Technological flight is generally consider extremely rare or near impossible during this [[tech epoch]].
 +
|-
 +
| [[TL:4-6]]
 +
| While [[rocket]]s are generally possible within this [[tech epoch]], ''Spaceplanes'' are generally too dangerous and unreliable at this stage.
 +
|-
 +
| [[TL:7-9]]
 +
| Most [[sophont]] [[societies]] first reach [[space]] using multiple stage [[rocket]]s and the idea of SSTO (''Single Stage to Orbit'' or a ''Spaceplane'') spaceflight remains an elusive goal for many [[TL:7-9]] [[sophont]] [[societies]]. Early prototype [[gravcraft]] simply lack the performance to achieve orbital breakout on all but the smallest of [[planet]]s. And the efficiencies of transatmospheric flight using multiple stage launches is hard to beat with period engineering.
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
−
'''[[TL:13-15]]:''' <br>
+
==== Interstellar Period ====
−
By the [[TL:13-15]] [[tech epoch]], the performance of [[Z-Drive]]s, advanced [[speeder]]s, high performance [[G-Carrier]]s, and more capable [[technology]] effectively makes all craft capable spaceplanes. The difference between planetary atmospheric and orbital vacuum flight becomes moot and the term begins to disappear from vocabularies and textbooks.
+
{| class="wikitable sortable"
 +
|-
 +
!colspan="2"| [[Stell-Tech|Interstellar Period]]: [[Stell-Tech|TL:10-18]]
 +
|-
 +
! [[Tech Epoch]]
 +
! Remarks
 +
|-
 +
| [[TL:10-12]]
 +
| By the [[Stell-Tech|TL:10-12]] [[tech epoch]], gravitics enables and complicates the spaceplane's construction. It also blurs the pictures as [[air/raft]]s and [[G-carrier]]s can achieve the same thing (air-space performance) although often with lesser performance envelopes.
 +
|-
 +
| [[TL:13-15]]
 +
| By the [[TL:13-15]] [[tech epoch]], the performance of [[Z-Drive]]s, advanced [[speeder]]s, high performance [[G-Carrier]]s, and more capable [[technology]] effectively makes all craft capable spaceplanes. The difference between planetary atmospheric and orbital vacuum flight becomes moot and the term begins to disappear from vocabularies and textbooks.
 +
|-
 +
| [[TL:16-18]]
 +
| It is projected that nearly all [[vehicle]]s and crafts will have spaceplane capabilities in this [[technological epoch]]. Many estimate that [[Gravitic Control Technology]] will be relatively cheap and widely available by this time.
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
−
'''[[TL:16-18]]:''' <br>
+
== See also==
−
It is projected that nearly all vehicles and crafts will have spaceplane capabilities in this [[technological epoch]]. Many estimate that [[Gravitic Control Technology]] will be relatively cheap and widely available by this time.
+
{{Referral-Tree-V-Vehicles}}
−
----
 
  
 
== References & Contributors ([[Sources]]) ==
 
== References & Contributors ([[Sources]]) ==
Line 53: Line 69:
 
|S1= {{Ludography cite|name= Imperial Encyclopedia |page= TBD}}
 
|S1= {{Ludography cite|name= Imperial Encyclopedia |page= TBD}}
 
|S2= {{Ludography cite|name= COACC |page= TBD}}
 
|S2= {{Ludography cite|name= COACC |page= TBD}}
−
|S3= [[Traveller Wiki Editorial Team]]
+
|S3= {{Ludography cite|name= T5 Core Rules |page= TBD}}
−
|S4= Author & Contributor: Lord (Marquis) and Master of Sophontology [[Maksim-Smelchak]] of the [[Ministry of Science]]  
+
|S4= [[Traveller Wiki Editorial Team]]
 +
|S5= Author & Contributor: Lord (Marquis) and Master of Sophontology [[Maksim-Smelchak]] of the [[Ministry of Science]]  
 
}}
 
}}
  
−
 
+
{{LEN|Spacecraft|Transportation|Technology|Vehicle Type|}}
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{{LEN|Aircraft|Interfacecraft|Spacecraft|Transportation Technology|Vehicle Type|}}
 

Latest revision as of 13:28, 23 June 2020

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A Spaceplane is an Interfacecraft, a craft designed to operate well in both an atmosphere and in the vacuum.

Description (Specifications)[edit]

An Interfacecraft is a kind of vehicle or technological device, intended to convey sophonts from one location to another. Spaceplanes have Lifting Body Hulls or airfoil surfaces such as wings, giving them atmospheric performance beyond that provided by simple thrust or any onboard gravitic systems.

Examples of Spaceplanes[edit]

No goods in Spaceplane

History & Background (Dossier)[edit]

Many technologists do not consider spaceplanes viable until the TL:7-9 technological epoch, and even then it can be dicey. Other technologists claim that prototype spaceplanes may be possible within the TL:4-6 tech epoch.

Expected Technological Progression of Spaceplane Development[edit]

Technological Overview of Spaceplanes[edit]

A variety of spaceplanes with gradually increasing technological capabilities are expected to become available through the first two tech periods of a sophont society.

Foundational Period[edit]

Foundational Period: TL:1-9
Tech Epoch Remarks
TL:1-3 Technological flight is generally consider extremely rare or near impossible during this tech epoch.
TL:4-6 While rockets are generally possible within this tech epoch, Spaceplanes are generally too dangerous and unreliable at this stage.
TL:7-9 Most sophont societies first reach space using multiple stage rockets and the idea of SSTO (Single Stage to Orbit or a Spaceplane) spaceflight remains an elusive goal for many TL:7-9 sophont societies. Early prototype gravcraft simply lack the performance to achieve orbital breakout on all but the smallest of planets. And the efficiencies of transatmospheric flight using multiple stage launches is hard to beat with period engineering.

Interstellar Period[edit]

Interstellar Period: TL:10-18
Tech Epoch Remarks
TL:10-12 By the TL:10-12 tech epoch, gravitics enables and complicates the spaceplane's construction. It also blurs the pictures as air/rafts and G-carriers can achieve the same thing (air-space performance) although often with lesser performance envelopes.
TL:13-15 By the TL:13-15 tech epoch, the performance of Z-Drives, advanced speeders, high performance G-Carriers, and more capable technology effectively makes all craft capable spaceplanes. The difference between planetary atmospheric and orbital vacuum flight becomes moot and the term begins to disappear from vocabularies and textbooks.
TL:16-18 It is projected that nearly all vehicles and crafts will have spaceplane capabilities in this technological epoch. Many estimate that Gravitic Control Technology will be relatively cheap and widely available by this time.

See also[edit]

Vehicles[edit]

§ == ( Please refer to the following AAB Library Data for more information: ) == §

Related:

The line between Spaceplane and Spaceship is blurred.
If the design is described as a Vehicle then its a Spaceplane;
if it is described as a Ship its a Spaceship.

References & Contributors (Sources)[edit]

This list of sources was used by the Traveller Wiki Editorial Team and individual contributors to compose this article. Copyrighted material is used under license from Far Future Enterprises or by permission of the author. The page history lists all of the contributions.
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