AW&ST article mentions Pentagon proposal for saucer shaped craft.

From: James R Graham 
Date: Fri, 6 Jun 1997 16:46:15 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: AW&ST article mentions Pentagon proposal for saucer shaped craft.

Hi all,
This one may be a fringe topic, but read on...perhaps #4 below might
explain some of the saucer 'sightings' at A51.
The 2 June, 1997 issue of AW&ST has an article on uninhabited combat
air vehicles (UCAVs). The basic gist of the article is that the Pentagon
has come up with 6 concept designs for UCAVs which they have shown to
international military and industrial audiences.
1. Long wing extensions to carry extra fuel for long distance travel.
The
wings can then be jettisoned when speed or maneuverability is needed.
2. Hypersonic speed capable
3. Aero-diamond
4. I quote in full "Potentially, a saucer shape could produce the most
maneuverable UCAV if combined with vectored thrust for maximum lateral
agility. Moreover, a weapon could be pointed by simply rotating the
aircraft without altering course."
5. Another removable wingtip design, but in this case the wingtips are
actually small UCAVs themselves.
6. Large flying wing.

The article has much more info and I recommend it to all.


james