Re: coupla Full Thrust questions inspire some tactics

Date sent:  29-OCT-1996 09:26:02 

>Detecting a target by active (radar) means that you have the range by
>default. You measure how long it takes for each radar pulse to return,
>radar propagates at the speed of light so the math is simple. Passive
>systems are less certain, but fire control will probably have to use
>active sensors for energy weapons. See the Traveller games (Fire,
>Fusion and Steel; Brilliant Lances, Battle Rider) for more on this.

But if you are using Radar, you are lit up like a Christmas tree for all
around to see. I'd say passive sensors are more likely as you wouldn't
have to give away your own position. Think of it like Subs. Contrary to
Hollywood, they don't go about 'pinging' all the time. They run silent,
using passive listening devices. I would imagine our ships would do the
same.

I once read a book, can't remember which one, but one of those 'Aliens
have visited Earth. Honest Guv.' ones that discussed the possibility of
spotting an incoming alien vessel. Independance Day got it right. We
wouldn't be able to spot even a Gargantuan vessel until it was inside
the moons orbit. The chances of any Astronomer looking at the right spot
in space are just too small, even with Radio Telescopes et al. Over the
ranges depicted in Full Thrust, our much smaller ships would be much
harder
to spot, hence the lack of accurate positional data.

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