The particular test involved a normal takeoff, and then the autopilot was engaged, part of the hydraulic system was shut off, and the No 1 engine was reduced to idle.
After a normal takeoff, the wing flaps are retracted.
The normal takeoff would have taken the Transtar south, over the ocean.
If it got onto the fighters' landing gear, it would have prevented a normal takeoff.
The flight profile consisted of a normal takeoff, a tactical landing a half hour later to onload 15 Navy SEALs, followed by a tactical takeoff.
The Commies were within easy mortar and rocket range of the field, so even a normal takeoff or landing would be hairy.
Like this: the normal takeoff, the threats of the bad guys, the terror of the scientists.
"It was a normal takeoff and departure," said Lance L. Weaver, chief administrative officer of MBNA Corporation, who was aboard the flight.
When it leaves the ground the wheels will not be rotating but otherwise it will be a perfectly normal takeoff.
Liftoff, with a maximum of one and half G acceleration was surely greater than a normal takeoff, but not of a surprising order.