Simply put, Lifting Body aircraft generate lift for sustained flight from the shape of their bodies, thus eliminating the need for wings. Lifting body technology in the United States began to be developed in the early sixties by a small group of engineers in California. Dr. Alfred J Eggers began studies on alternative types of space craft and re-entry methods for returning to the ground from orbit. Dr. Eggers believed that a blunted cone was the most stable shape for this purpose. However, the need arose for the cone to be some what maneuverable during the re-entry procedure. Therefore, a shape that sports a significant amount of lift would be required. Dr. Eggers suggested the cone be split in half. This shape became known as "the blunted half cone" and the lifting body aircraft was born.

The lifting body space vehicle has by design the least amount of failure points afforded to a horizontal landing craft. The most obvious is the elimination of wings, a major failure point! Fins and control surfaces can be retracted into the hull. The internal layout will permit ejectable crew modules capable of re-entry if needed. Parachute recovery will remain secondary instead of primary. The airframe shape by itself is inherently strong and durable. Flight tests have proven the skin of the craft can receive considerable damage and still remain airworthy. Further tests have shown two space crafts could be launched simultaneously from a single expendable launch vehicle. A possibility never seriously considered in manned space flight. US-SpacePlane Systems engineers have designed new construction and outfitting methods that are unique to this advanced aeroshell and are unprecedented in the aerospace industry.

HOW IT WORKS-
Conventional aircraft flying in the world today generate lift from their wings. Air flowing over the wings top and bottom surface causes a diffrence in pressure, allowing the plane to fly. This is primarily a two dimensional effect. The Lifting Body aircraft is different in the way air flow affects the craft. The effect has now become very three dimensional, much like a submerged submarine hull moving through the water. By carefully designing portions of the lifting bodies surface contours, we can now force the airflow to go where we want it to go. This result produces a very dynamic shift in the way the craft is able to sustain useful lift. As speed and angle of attack change, the air molecules moving around the entire craft proceed in a positive manner, enhancing the planes flying abilities. They are by far the best flying machines.

US-SpacePlane Systems anticipates Intercontinental flight capabilities combined with amphibious operations to take place.