On Wed, Oct 08, 2014 at 08:14:21AM -0500, Grimmund wrote:
> OTOH, aerodynamic control surfaces *may* allow tighter maneuvers
> than a a 6g brick might otherwise manage.

Yes, they would -- if they were large and strong enough.

For example, that brick in my example could be given wings with a span
roughly equal to the length of the rest of the vehicle, and do
something like a 12 g turn instead of being limited to a 6 g turn.
The problem would be that those relatively thin structures would have
to support something like 10^7 Nm of torque during the maneuver.  So
they can't be too thin, even with advanced materials tech.

Aerodynamic surfaces that are small in comparison with the craft's
basic hull area will have insignificant maneuvering effect compared
with the thrusters.  At best, they'll be a backup for maintaining
orientation for the craft in case grav lift is still active but
maneuvering thrusters are inoperable.

If grav lift is also out, they won't be nearly sufficient to prevent a
transsonic ground encounter.

- Tim