On Sat, Mar 12, 2016 at 2:20 AM, Knapp <xxxxxx@gmail.com> wrote:

On Mar 5, 2016 1:03 AM, "Richard Aiken" <xxxxxx@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> On Fri, Mar 4, 2016 at 5:46 PM, Kurt Feltenberger <xxxxxx@thepaw.org> wrote:
>>
>> So what happens to design when you remove them?
>
>
> I would say that - a globe being the most efficient hull shape for the amount of volume enclosed assuminb all other factors are equal - you'd likely get warships which are all variously-scaled versions of the Happy Fun Ball.
>
> E.g.
But not the best for dumping heat so a flying pankake would be better. Or, not the best for reducing front profile ca nd maxamizing weapons to bear, so a wedge might be best.

Well, since it's a warship that might want to hide when it's not under thrust, it probably doesn't want to efficiently radiant heat ALL the time; that's what retractible heat exchanger wings are for.

As to the wedge shape, unless you make it a very skinny wedge - which would lessen total hull strength and also lose you some functionality (since a lot of equipment - if built efficiently - would be too bulky to fit into such a shape) - I doubt you would end up with significantly more weapons able to bear on targets you are trying to close with . . . and since you're choosing this shape to maximize *those* weapon sites, that leaves you with few (if any) facing toward the rear, for those times when you're outnumbered and being chased.

Richard Aiken

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