On 24Feb2018 0812, shadow at shadowgard.com (via tml list) wrote:
> On 24 Feb 2018 at 0:48, Rupert Boleyn wrote:
>
>> TL12 CG for an air/raft used 0.3MW power. The HEPlaR thruster used
>> about the same (using reactionless thrusters gets more thrust per MW
>> but they're massier, which is probably a wash in an air/raft). If
>> neither of these technologies suits, ducted fans could be used, but
>> they'd make for a slower (and atmospheric only, obviously) craft.
>
> *HEPlaR*?!?!
>
> There goes any hope of IR stealth. As well as making it hazardout to
> fly near grasslands, woods and flammable construction!

Just reporting what the books say. I'm just imagining the sonic
signature - plasma at those temperatures and velocities hitting air
would be incredibly noisy.

I always assumed that TNE vehicles intended solely for atmospheric
operations would, if using HEPlaR, would mix the exhaust with air inside
an enclosed system, making for something like a turbofan effect with the
air being mixed to produce a cooler, slower and heavier exhaust.
Designed right that should actually get additional thrust without
requiring more propellant mass, seeing as the air doesn't need to be
brought along with you.

--
Rupert Boleyn <xxxxxx@gmail.com>
Chief Assistant to the Assistant Chief