On Aug 26, 5:45*pm, John White wrote:
I've been fascinated by this unusual image on the cover of Soaring
magazine:

http://soaringweb.org/Soaring_Index/...67Dec_full.jpg

I always assumed it was a reaction to the movie 2001 since it bears a
distinct resemblance to the spaceplane in that movie, but recently
realised that it pre-dates the release of the movie by a good few months.
It's a striking design and an impressive cover piece. Is there an
interesting story to go with it?

This was an illustration of a futuristic glider called Altosaurus, I
think and was an illustration generated from a projection of future
sailplanes which came as part of a review of past progress in
sailplane development.. I think the article(s) were done by John
Mcmasters, if I recall correctly.
They are worth finding and reading.
UH