in reference to thread6-3970, and the Roton rocket

[dullfig]

I found the referenced thread really interesting, and wanted to see if anyone wanted to comment on the Roton rocket (if you're not familiar, it was a rocket design that used a helicopter rotor to get the vehicle above the densest part of the atmosphere, and also at re-entry to land as a helicopter). This vehicle is always drawn with four blades. I was wondering if this seems an optimal trade-off between maximum thrust (which is what you're after in this application) and power required (minimizing power saves you fuel, scarce in a rocket)

Any takers?

Dan

PS.: I included a link to an article about the Roton, for those who want to read it.

 

[manyhelicopterman]

The Rotor rocket was only going to use the rotor blades on descent. There was no way it could lift the loaded rocket. The blades were tip jets powered by peroxide (I believe)
Hope that helps with your question.