A Base Technology Space Trajectory Optimization - Control Design Engineering A Base Technology for Future Aerospace Designs Design of advanced aerospace launcher concepts like two stage to orbit vehicles can no longer be done by static performance evaluation, since engine performance is highly dependent on the actual trajectory used. Therefore an evaluation must be based on optimal or near optimal launch and return trajectories. This leads to an integrated design approach with advanced trajectory optimization as a key engineering technology.
Similar arguments apply to future high performance fighter aircrafts.
Consider for example the experimental X31 aircraft that allows extreme angle of attack maneuvers. Click here for a mpeg movie of this maneuver.