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Description
The Arcos MK I is rated as a spacecraft with atmospheric capabilities, and for this reason it features optional flight control surface elements. Although it can fly with no problem at all in most atmospheres, there are certain classes of atmospheric environs where having just a little more drag can dramatically improve the flight characteristics of the vehicle.

In this diagram we see the flight control surfaces deployed to their minimum flight assist angle: Mode A. In this way they act to assist in control of the airflow whilst passing through an atmosphere. Mode A is essentially like adding control flaps to the wing of an aircraft. The flight control surfaces are secured to the ship via sliding bolts set into mechanical latches and can take a considerable amount of pressure before structural collapse is likely to take place. When not in use the flight control surfaces slide back into the hull and are seamless. They are not sealed against vacuum, so while in space the wells beneath the flight surfaces are exposed to space.

The narrative and artwork presented here remains the intellectual property of Jonathan Bluestone © Copyright Bluestone 1979-2022.

Description
The Arcos MK I is rated as a spacecraft with atmospheric capabilities, and for this reason it features optional flight control surface elements. Although it can fly with no problem at all in most atmospheres, there are certain classes of atmospheric environs where having just a little more drag can dramatically improve the flight characteristics of the vehicle.

In this diagram we see the flight control surfaces deployed to their minimum flight assist angle: Mode A. In this way they act to assist in control of the airflow whilst passing through an atmosphere. Mode A is essentially like adding control flaps to the wing of an aircraft. The flight control surfaces are secured to the ship via sliding bolts set into mechanical latches and can take a considerable amount of pressure before structural collapse is likely to take place. When not in use the flight control surfaces slide back into the hull and are seamless. They are not sealed against vacuum, so while in space the wells beneath the flight surfaces are exposed to space.

The narrative and artwork presented here remains the intellectual property of Jonathan Bluestone © Copyright Bluestone 1979-2022.