Hey Bob,

The landing speed is reasonable in the steep approach on the 80 powered shuttle with good aerodynamic breaking in the flare. The big shuttle will hopefully have a split rudder airbrake to help on final. I got the nose high takeoff attitude by shortening the mains although they are fixed. I have an idea to be able to shorten the main retracts by locking them partially retracted with a second strut that will swing away after takeoff. It will also help move the mains closer to the CG on takeoff. we'll figure it out with a little trial and error.... Is that your pic of the Buran?