Dual peripheral model up to Serpukhov energies

The high energy behaviour of the s-channel Regge residues is inferred from three plausible requirements. The resulting s-channel helicity amplitudes allow-in a dual sense-the following t-channel interpretation: for -t>or=0.25 GeV/sup 2/ the flip amplitude has the form of a t-channel Regge pole, while the non-flip amplitude looks like a Regge cut. Finally, a quantitative comparison of the predictions with the data available for the set of SU(3) related processes pi N CEX, KN, KN CEX and pi /sup -/p to eta n is performed, covering the energy range 2<or=p/sub lab/<or=48 GeV/c (Serpukhov energies) and the range of momentum transfer 0.25<or=-t<or=2-4 GeV/sup 2/. Considering the small number of only four free parameters, the s- channel approach appears to be in good agreement with these data. In particular the line reversal breaking in KN, KN CEX finds a natural explanation. (21 refs).