How much fuel is consumed for a wingless aircraft?

Question

Ok so maybe i have to much time on my hands or i do want to start something great here. im thinking of building an aircraft that has no mechanical movement, and only relies on jets/propulsion. i wanted to know because this aircraft will mostly be used for space, and rarely entering the atmosphere for landing. launching. since you dont need wings in space, thats why im removing them. i wonder how much fuel would be consumed compared to a normal aircraft (it will be a size relative to an F/A-18 but no bigger than commercial jet)

Answer 1

Wouldn't a wingless aircraft simply be a rocket?

Answer 2

LMAO!! YOU TEND TO AMAZE ME MORE AND MORE EAGARCIA....

Fuel efficiency improves by 1.7% each year, which saves almost US $2 billion from the annual fuel bill.

The actual impact on the industry's fuel bill of a US$1 a barrel rise in fuel price is US$0.8 billion.

The fuel bill rose from US$61 billion in 2004 to US$90 billion in 2005, equivalent to 22% of airline operating costs. The fuel bill rose to US$111 billion in 2006, 26% of operating expenses.

The fuel bill is forecasted to rise to US$132 billion in 2007, 28% of operating expenses.

Answer 3

Since you are talking about space, its time for some further education. I suggest two years of engineering for a start. Jet engines require air so that puts a limit on how high you can go with them before you have to add oxygen and be a rocket. As far as pure rocket with vertical takeoff and landing, check out the DCX project. Since it started as a civilian effort, I expect if you ask around the National Space Society and look for old L5 members some of them could give you exact information on performance, thrust and cargo capability or steer you to an appropriate site. Or you could beard the Lion and try to get an interview with Jerry Pournelle or Larry Niven. I expect they both can talk your ear off on the subject.

Answer 4

Stick to the stratosphere and use helium. Balloons get terrific mileage.

Answer 5

And how might this wingless aircraft land on something?

Answer 6

so a manned missle.. brilliant. ! Your a F'N Idioit! Even Helicopters have wings.. its called a rotor.

Answer 7

Well, without wings it is going to need really powerful engines- like flying a Harrier in vertical lift mode.  Something the size of an F-18 would not fly very long without wings (and don't forget the wings are prime fuel tank volume).  How will you get it to space?  Something that small can't make it to orbit.