Re: Multiple engines (was RE: Liquox)

On Mon, 7 Jun 2004 [email protected] wrote:
> ...Better still would be to keep both of the easy problems and
> get rid of the hard problems...

Unfortunately, since both of your ideas involve adding engines, they both
move John back to a hard engine problem that he's trying to avoid:  making
multiple engines with closely-matched behavior, to avoid transient thrust
imbalances, especially during startup. 

> 2)  Go back to your original four-engine configuration, with each engine
> having one jet vane, oriented radially.  You can put all the servos in the
> centre facing outward.  This should give you greater control, especially for
> roll.  

Roll control is generally a very minor issue, especially in a single-engine
vehicle that has no reason to have significant stray torques on that axis.

                                                          Henry Spencer
                                                       [email protected]