LOL Ron! -- Yeah, I've also looked into various forms of "Spacesails" over the years. (Being an Old Salt, sails seem to come naturally. LOL) There are a surprising number of variations, both s-f and real world. And, of course, they come with a lot of their own tradeoffs as well. (Screw the Greenies. I ain't going to get turned into a Meatsicle for anyone! LOL)?
I didn't get to go to college. I got to go through the Navy's (HARD CORE!) Nuclear Power training program instead. (college is for wimps! LOL) So I guess that it's not very surprising that it is these Nuclear Driven "Torchships" that have intrigued me for decades. (Damn Heinlein, Piper, Drake, and all the rest! LOL) Especially for interplanetary travel. (Again, I ain't doing the Meatsicle thing. I'll wait for FTLs to get the stars! LOL) However, it seems that even when someone talks about Flip & Burns (real or s-f) they never mention having to ride the thrust wake to their destination. Some might even mention using their thrusters as a weapon (which I can surely see) but nothing regarding the effects on ship and crew. = Maybe I'm just Overthinking this????
Here is an Excellent example with plenty of s-f and(to) real world references. Especially if you are REAL HEAVY into rocketry physics (complete with slide-rules! LOL) He mentions F&Bs, even HARD F&Bs, way down toward the bottom of the page, but still, --- No Side Effects???? --- Am I missing something??? --- Would "standard" engine shielding be sufficient protection even after an F&B???
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Keep It FUN!
Dan G
Dan G