Project Hermes, and its winged spacecraft, may be making a comeback.
In the 1980's, the French abandoned Project Hermes because
it required too many Francs to build.
Now, because the ESA is concerned that there are no guarantees
with Project Orion, and its intended use at ISS, especially
after 2015, there is talk that Project Hermes may be revived
with improved technology, funded the Euro currency, and with
engineering & financial participation with Germany [maybe Belgium and Italy too].
So we may YET see another manned, orbital winged spacecraft
after the NASA shuttles are retired...but belonging to Europe.
BTW, Raoul?...If you want a reference to the story, it's in paper and ink.
The magazine/periodical, AVIATION WEEK & SPACE TECHNOLOGY.
issue date: November, 12, 2007.