'Breakthrough' for rocket engine

[HeavyHemi]

Originally Posted by Dustpuppy

You're not detecting sound, if a laser impacts a target doing thermal damage then it will scatter a large amount of light as well as vaporizing a portion of the targets surface or creating shrapnel. Even a cell phone's camera would suffice for detecting such an event. The sound generated could be arbitrary, but since it's purpose is situational awareness it'd likely be defined by intensity, type & proximity at the least.

The hard part would be simulating the trajectory of the sound waves correctly, however I can think of a few ways that could be handled.

Seems rather easily solved by having sensors on the surface of the craft. Much like we do now for detecting various threats for jet fighters.

[Dustpuppy]

Originally Posted by HeavyHemi

Seems rather easily solved by having sensors on the surface of the craft. Much like we do now for detecting various threats for jet fighters.

Absolutely, however, doing it accurately with active sensors vs doing it with passive sensors offer two degree's of difficulty. Active sensors probably wouldn't be used because they paint a big fat bullseye on the user. Passively calculating hits on friendlies would be easily solved with a little networking. However, near misses (if detected) or the explosive report of an enemy ship going down would require a bit of processing.

Movies always play a little sound when a spaceship gets close to something, but really it wouldn't make any sound. However, simulating some audio to indicate passing debris / debris density / type of debris, might give more immediate feedback than having to read an extra line on a vid screen; so I don't knock the movies too much for doing this.

[HeavyHemi]

Originally Posted by Dustpuppy

Absolutely, however, doing it accurately with active sensors vs doing it with passive sensors offer two degree's of difficulty. Active sensors probably wouldn't be used because they paint a big fat bullseye on the user. Passively calculating hits on friendlies would be easily solved with a little networking. However, near misses (if detected) or the explosive report of an enemy ship going down would require a bit of processing.

Movies always play a little sound when a spaceship gets close to something, but really it wouldn't make any sound. However, simulating some audio to indicate passing debris / debris density / type of debris, might give more immediate feedback than having to read an extra line on a vid screen; so I don't knock the movies too much for doing this.

Those issues have been addressed decades ago. I spent a few decades working on active and passive detection systems in the military. Both airborne and subsurface. Considering the 'diffficulties' you cited, you might wish to research the current state of the tech.

P.S. For example, look up Brigand (you'll need to be creative in your search) secret squirrel stuff you know... or the various ALR-XX systems.

[Luumpy]

Originally Posted by Extraordinary

http://www.reactionengines.co.uk/sabre.html

What "Critical tests" did they do ? Did they run it in a super sonic wind tunnel at mach 5 for 2 hrs ? I think not. They dont even have a prototype. Let Me know when its really running.
So what happens to this engine if its liq hydrogen cooling system leaks ? BOOOM!! This thing is many many many years away . If ever.
Dont get me wrong, I hope it works! Really.

[Dustpuppy]

Originally Posted by HeavyHemi

Those issues have been addressed decades ago. I spent a few decades working on active and passive detection systems in the military. Both airborne and subsurface. Considering the 'diffficulties' you cited, you might wish to research the current state of the tech.

P.S. For example, look up Brigand (you'll need to be creative in your search) secret squirrel stuff you know... or the various ALR-XX systems.

Well the more I think about it the more I think you're probably right, I'm just shootin the **** speculating.

Is brigand something I want in my search history or should I be doing that from public wifi? I'm already acquainted with ALR.