RE: Real Space Combat Help:

Since I've been working on the same thing (in a longer form) for quite
some time, I'll lend some ideas. First off, at the normal speeds of
interplanetary warfare, ranges will, by neccessity, very large. This
creates a problem of time lag. Even a second or two lag increases the
need for computer weapons guidance. Optical systems will be at a
premium. Also, when you fire a weapon it keeps going, so if near planets
you have to keep that in mind. Another thing is the glare of the sun.

Directed energy beams basically heat a target a bore a hole in it.
Unless you have a VERY powerful energy source, not much damage can be
achieved (in the near term).

Thats about it. If there is the elusive "Theoretical Space Combat FAQ" I
would have found it by now. Hope this helps a little

Win Barker
Imagineer
Solutions onQue
As to missiles, blast effect is reduced in vacuum so direct contact is
necessary. I'm talking about blast, not fragmentation, which is much
more destructive. A cloud of peanut-sized balls exploded into the path
of a ship will, depending on the relative velocities, probably rip it to
shreds.

> ----------
> 
> Hello Everyone:
>	I'm writing a sci-fi space combat story for my creative writing
> class. 
> So far I've got most of the story fleshed out.  However, I want to be
> as
> plausable and scientific as possible. (The only place where I want to
> be
> technically vauge is hyperdrive.)  I have some general questions for
> all
> of you armchair physicists out there in GZG Mailing List land.
>	1.  Which would be better suited for space combat: lasers or
> particle
> beam weapons?
>	2.  How does a directed energy beam weapon damage a target?
>	3.  Which sort of missile warhead would be better suited for
> space
> combat?  Nuke or kinetic kill?
>	4.  I've heard that it would be a good idea to depressurize a
> warship
> before going into combat (the crew would be in space suits).	Why
> would
> that help?
>	5.  How would one target a enemy ship in space (realistically
> that is)?
>	6.  There would happen to be a "Theoretical Space Combat FAQ"
> somewhere
> on the net?  If there isn't there should be.
> 
> I'd love to hear your responses.
> Later,
> Mark S.
>