A lifting body aircraft suitable for atmospheric flight and/or as a
reentry vehicle. The craft has a substantially flat upper surface, a
lower surface with a doubly convex first section and a flat sloping
second section. Chines may be provided between the upper and lower
surfaces. The doubly convex first section allows the craft to have its
center of gravity forward of its longitudinal center line. The flat
sloping second half of the lower surface and the substantially flat upper
surface form the aft end of an airfoil. A pair of vertical stabilizers
enhance stability and include rudders which, along with a pair of
elevons, provide steerage. The craft may glide or it may have an engine
or rockets for thrust. The result is an extremely stable lifting body
design that is well suited for launch or conventional take off,
insertion, orbital operations, reentry, atmospheric flight, and
conventional landings.