Major Program Update
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Reacently core programming on the Archangel has finished and major flight test has begun. Very quickly we found that the Archangel was very under-engineered. Initial flight tests concluded the craft was over weight and under powerd in both the jet engines and rocket motor. Extensive design audit and re-design sessions where then held between Josh and I to determine how to bring the Archangel up to program goals.
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Because of above stated events we have descided to expand the Archangel program to a 3 phase program with the possibility of a 4th phase.
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Extensive testing over the past copuple of days has led to the develpment of not only the original underpowerd Archangel MK I but also and upgraded version the MK Ib. These ships are being followed by a MK II which will have the full 3000 mi flight range.
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Archangel MKI
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The MK I is a phase one flight demonstrator. It's perpose is to do initial flight tests of airframe and rocket burn tests for climb and high altitude tests (90-100 km)
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Archangel MK Ib
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This bird has beend drasticly upgraded without altering the original airframe significantly. The rear row of seats have been removed and the rear bulkhead extended foward giving it 19% more rocket fuel. The Wing root has been widened giving it 100% more jet fuel. The MK Ib has a range of about 1400 km with low altitlude (75 km ApA) trajectory.
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Archangel MK II
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The MK II is planned right now to be 25% larger with a 1/3 increase in rocket power and a third jet engine mounted on top of the fuselage. Test has not begun on this so the design may change. Range should be the original 3000 mi.
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Future plans
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Future upgrades could include an extended range MK II using conforming fuel tanks to cross the Atlantic.
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Stay tuned
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