On 10/11/2010 11:09 PM, Jeffrey Kaplan wrote:   
   >> Go ahead, I'll wait.  How is it looking?   
   >    
   > I'm not an engineer, I never claimed to be.  I can't build the thing.   
      
   I am, although its EE and not aerospace.   
      
   > That's why it would have multiple engine types.  From what little I do   
      
   I am also a licensed pilot.  If you have multiple engine types then you   
   have to carry them with you, thus adding weight.   
      
   The one thing that might really work well is a rail gun launcher.  It   
   probably would not get you supersonic, but it could get you above the   
   thickest of the atmosphere and a good speed boost.  It's probably too   
   expensive to build in comparison to booster rockets.  Maintenance would   
   probably also be a problem.  Just imagine maintaining a, say, 20 mile   
   long structure built on the side of a high mountain, throughout the   
   winter.  Just keeping it free from snow and ice would be a problem.   
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