On Fri, 30 Nov 2012 09:54:17 -0800 (PST), bob haller
wrote:


plus your almost in orbit at release. minimizes the loaded bomb launch.

No, you're not even remotely "almost in orbit". No practical air
launch system will be supersonic at launch time (the reasons for this
are myriad) or likely much higher than 40,000 feet. That means about
600 mph and 40,000 ft. at separation.

To reach orbit you need about 17,500 mph and 400,000 ft.

600mph/40,000 feet buys you a little improvement for space launch, but
honestly I don't see the cost/benefit ration as being at all
worthwhile. Didn't Elon Musk say air-launch only saves 5% vs. a
typical Falcon 9 launch?

I think StratoLaunch will quietly disappear.

Brian