Interface Transport
by Shaun
Hilburn and Bryn Monnery
Interface Transport
by Shaun
Hilburn and Bryn Monnery
Introduction
In 2300 we have to exotic means of generating delta-V, that is changing velocity. While stutterwarp drives may propel ships at great pseudo-velocities, they are just that, pseudo. Interface craft must both overcome the local force of gravity and the drag of the atmosphere, while producing enough excess thrust to push the vehicle outside of the gravity well.
Technology
The prinicple thruster system used in 2300 is a combination jet/ ramjet/ scramjet combination. In the atmosphere it utilises atmospheric oxygen as an oxidiser, switching to it's own internal tanks as it climbs beyond the atmosphere. The main fuel used is liquid hydrogen, and liquid oxygen is the oxidiser.
The spaceplane itself is a horizontal takeoff and landing (HTOL) craft. It is not as fuel efficient as a shuttle, but provides considerably more comfort to a passenger or fragile loads.
The Table
| Colony | 300 km | Fuel |
| World | Delta-V | Fraction |
| Heidelsheimat | 5.61 | 16% |
| Dunkelheim | 5.93 | 17% |
| Nibelungen | 6.5 | 27% |
| Daikoku | 6.99 | 36% |
| Crater | 7.25 | 40% |
| Hermes | 7.38 | 42% |
| Aurore | 7.4 | 43% |
| Cold Mountain | 7.96 | 51% |
| Kwantung | 8.27 | 54% |
| Botany Bay | 8.37 | 56% |
| Montana | 8.91 | 62% |
| Beta Canum | 8.94 | 62% |
| Doris | 8.97 | 62% |
| Kimanjano | 8.99 | 62% |
| Kingsland | 9.12 | 64% |
| Ellis | 9.13 | 64% |
| Paulo | 9.39 | 66% |
| Tirane | 9.42 | 66% |
| Earth | 9.44 | 67% |
| Syuhlahm | 9.59 | 68% |
| Beowulf | 9.98 | 71% |
| Nous Viola | 10.37 | 74% |
| Chengdu | 10.38 | 74% |
| Alderhorst | 10.42 | 74% |
| Austin's World | 10.64 | 76% |
| Joi | 10.85 | 77% |
| Dukou | 12.9 | 87% |
| Kie-Yuma | 12.9 | 87% |
| King | 22.76 | --- |
The above table is to reach 300km above the planets surface, from a surface launch, assuming atmospheric drag of 1.4km/s.
Note: Spaceplane launches are not possible from Kings surface due to the huge gravity.
Example:
If we were designing a spaceplane for use on Earth, and the total mass was to be 300 tons, 200 tons would have to be fuel, and the remaining 100 tons includes the hull, engines, crew and payload.
Notes
The 2300AD values for Shuttles and Spaceplanes are transposed. Shuttles should be Lv3,000 per ton, and the more luxurious spaceplanes Lv4,500 per ton.